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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Panther Biologists Save Bobcat

By  //  November 28, 2015

REMOVED PLASTIC PIPE FROM BOBCATS' NECK

When Michelle Emerson spotted this “collared” bobcat she knew it was in trouble because of the size of the plastic pipe around its neck. She called the Lakeland Regional Office and spoke to Wildlife Assistance Biologist Lindsay Gattman. Lindsay asked her to keep a sharp eye out if the cat returned. Michelle had posted a photo to social media, and her neighbor, in turn, posted it to our Facebook page asking for help. (MyFWC.com image)
When Michelle Emerson spotted this “collared” bobcat she knew it was in trouble because of the size of the plastic pipe around its neck. (MyFWC.com image)

MyFWC.com – Biologists were able to rescue a bobcat after it collared itself with a plastic pipe, thanks to the help of a homeowner who knew a serious situation when she saw one. 

When Michelle Emerson spotted a “collared” bobcat she knew it was in trouble because of the size of the plastic pipe around its neck.

She called the Lakeland Regional Office and spoke to Wildlife Assistance Biologist Lindsay Gattman.

Gattman asked her to keep a sharp eye out if the cat returned. Emerson had posted a photo to social media and her neighbor, in turn, posted it to the FWC Facebook page asking for help.

Dr. Jennifer Korn, a FWC panther biologists, volunteered to help and was able to trap the 2-year-old-female bobcat.

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Once arriving on the scene, Jennifer accessed the situation and decided the best plan of action.

With the aid of biologist Josh Birchfield, she sedated the cat and removed the plastic pipe from the otherwise healthy animal.

If you see an animal in trouble or a wildlife violation, call the wildlife hotline at 888-404-3922, text tip@MyFWC.com, or post to our Facebook page.

Jennifer Korn, our panther biologist, credits Michelle Emerson and her Englewood neighbor with helping save the cat! Our thanks to everyone involved. If you see an animal in trouble or a wildlife violation, call the wildlife hotline at 888-404-3922, text tip@MyFWC.com, or post to our Facebook page!. (MyFWC.com image)
Jennifer Korn, a FWC panther biologist, credits Michelle Emerson and her Englewood neighbor with helping save the cat. (MyFWC.com image)
Once arriving on scene, Jennifer accessed the situation and decided the best plan of action. With the aid of biologist Josh Birchfield, she sedated the cat and removed the plastic pipe from the otherwise healthy animal. (MyFWC.com image)
Once arriving on scene, Korn accessed the situation and decided the best plan of action. With the aid of biologist Josh Birchfield, she sedated the cat and removed the plastic pipe from the otherwise healthy animal. (MyFWC.com image)
Dr. Jennifer Korn, one of our panther biologists, volunteered to help and was able to trap this 2-year-old-female bobcat. Here you can see the bobcat in her trap and the homeowners checking on her. (MyFWC.com image)
Dr. Jennifer Korn, a FWC panther biologists, volunteered to help and was able to trap this 2-year-old-female bobcat. Here you can see the bobcat in her trap and the homeowners checking on her. (MyFWC.com image)