CROW treating bobcat kitten rescued from fire
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel reported on May 29 that it is treating a bobcat kitten rescued by a volunteer firefighter in a brush fire in Charlotte County.
Bayshore Fire Protection and Rescue Service District firefighter Julian Roman-Kulwicki was working the brush fire when he came across it meowing and crawling out of a pile of ashes.
“I went over, grabbed it and wrapped it in my jacket,” Roman-Kulwicki said.
The fire on Orange Blossom Boulevard in Charlotte at that point on May 24 was believed to have been started by lighting, according to the fire district. The brush fire spanned four acres.
CROW is now treating the kitten, estimated to be 4-6 weeks old.
It reported that veterinarians did not find any burns, injuries or current issues with the kitten’s lungs, and she continues to be closely monitored.
“Right now, she is stable and resting comfortably in our care, which is encouraging,” CROW Research & Medical Director Dr. Jessica Comolli said on May 29. “One of our biggest concerns at this stage is the possibility of smoke inhalation. Even when animals appear stable initially, respiratory complications can develop over time, so we are monitoring her very closely.
“We’re very grateful to the Bayshore fire team for bringing in this bobcat kitten to CROW,” she added.
Roman-Kulwicki, who has been a volunteer firefighter with the district for about a month, said he is trained to “protect life.”
“She was cold to the touch, so I tried to warm her up,” he said. “I started to do research and found out it was a baby bobcat.”
Roman-Kulwicki has affectionally named the kitten Ash.
Capt. William LeMieux was at the fire station when it arrived wrapped up in firefighting gear.
“I washed her off. She was exhausted,” he said. “I’m relieved the bobcat kitten is with CROW. I know she is in good hands there and hopefully will get back to the wild.”
Southwest Florida residents can call CROW’s first responder team at 239-472-3644, ext. 222, with any questions about orphaned and injured wildlife.
For more information about CROW, visit www.crowclinic.org.