California: Injured bobcat rescued by California Highway Patrol officer near Martinez

CALIFORNIA -- A bobcat found with an injured leg by the side of the road near Martinez was rescued by the California Highway Patrol and taken to a wildlife hospital in Walnut Creek for treatment, according to CHP.

A passerby called the Highway Patrol shortly before 1:30 p.m. to report that an animal was injured on the side of the road along Cummings Skyway just east of Crockett Boulevard, in Crocket Hills Regional Park, CHP reported in a statement.

"Upon our arrival, the wildlife we found was a beautiful Bobcat that had injured its leg," the statement said. "Thankfully along with the help of Contra Costa Animal Services we were able to rescue this little fella and transport him to the Lindsay Wildlife Experience museum in Walnut Creek, where he will be cared for. Get well little guy!"

At the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, the big cat was receiving X-rays and medical treatment, according to Elisabeth Nardi, a spokeswoman for the hospital.

"We get maybe one a year — it's not too common," Nardi said. "Our main species are things like Virginia opossums, house finches, squirrels, all kinds of barn owls."

The bobcat is a lot bigger than those animals, obviously, so the Wildlife Experience can only house him or her for the short term, she said.

"We do not have a big enough facility to be able to house him or her for any long period of time," Nardi said, "so if he's doing OK, we will transport him to a partner organization that has a bigger facility."

(SFGate - August 29, 2017)