Watch CBS News

Bobcat Kitten Rescued From NorCal Fire 'Too Nice' To Release Into Wild

PLACERVILLE (CBS/AP) – An animal rescue group is trying to help an orphaned bobcat kitten with a problem: She's too nice.

The kitten was only a few weeks old when she was found in August by fire crews who battled a 75,000-acre fire in the Plumas National Forest.

The bobcat, which had burned paws, would follow the crew and nuzzle their boots. Named Chips, she was taken to the Sierra Wildlife Rescue in Placerville last month. Volunteers there are trying to toughen her up to release her back into the wild next spring.

Volunteer Jill Tripoli said she's been introduced to two male bobcats who hiss and bare their claws at humans. And she's having to chase down her own mice for meals.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.