Most of us animal lovers would do anything to help a creature that seemed to be in trouble.
Imagine hearing a distressed cry while at work, only to discover a tiny kitten.
That’s exactly what happened to Jared Allen Yost, a landscaper from Minnesota.
But this was no ordinary feline tale.
Yost, an undeniable animal enthusiast, was quick to respond to the mysterious cries.
“I went over to help whatever was making those noises,” he shared with The Dodo.
To his surprise, he found a lone kitten that was cute as can be.
He came to its rescue.
With storm clouds gathering and no mother cat in sight, Yost’s heart went out to the little one.
He decided to take her in, offering her warmth, food, and a temporary family.
Yost even made a vet appointment for the next day.
But that’s when things got a little strange.
Yost and his family noticed something very peculiar even before they could take her to the vet.
The kitten’s meows were… let’s just say, different.
They were louder and unlike any cat sound he’d ever heard.
“Not like a normal ‘meow’,” as Yost described.
Curiosity piqued, so Yost turned to the internet.
He began comparing photos of his new furry friend with images of baby bobcats.
The similarities were uncanny: white triangles behind the ears, oversized paws, unique nose markings, and a notably short tail.
It was time to reach out to the professionals.
To confirm his suspicions, Yost contacted the Minnesota Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, sharing pictures of the kitten.
The verdict? His “stray kitten” was, in fact, a baby bobcat!
Realizing the bobcat needed specialized care, Yost handed her over to the rehab center.
While it remains a mystery how she got separated from her mother, the center’s experts began a journey of nurturing her wild instincts.
The plan was to eventually let her loose, so she could roam free in her natural habitat.
He even received updates on the bobcat’s progress and was thrilled with the news.
“She’s doing great!” Yost told The Dodo, “It sounds like she will be released in early fall.”
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo website states:
“Bobcats are very adaptable and can live in a wide variety of habitats, including boreal coniferous and mixed forests in the north, bottomland hardwood forests and coastal swamps in the southeast, and desert and scrublands in the southwest.”
Reflecting on the unexpected adventure, Yost expressed immense gratitude.
“It was an awesome experience and I would do it over and over again,” he shared.
His story serves as a heartwarming reminder of the beauty of wildlife and the importance of rehabilitation centers that ensure these creatures get a second chance at life.
Also, the importance of making sure the kitten you’re bringing home is actually a domestic animal.
Press play on the video below to see more on this very “wild” story!
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