Not the bobcat in question.
Mike Neiner's wife called him from the road to say that she had spotted an injured bobcat west of Belleville, and that the cat had most likely been hit by a car. The bobcat was lying in the road, in danger of being hit by a motorist who was paying less attention than she was.
So Neiner did the sensible thing. He drove to the site, loaded the injured animal into the back of his truck, and took it home.
He made the unconscious animal comfortable in his garage and contacted TreeHouse Wildlife Center in Dow, Illinois. The animal rescue and rehabilitation facility sent over Pam Lippert, its senior wildlife technician, who transported the fortunate feline back to TreeHouse. X-rays revealed no broken bones, but the female bobcat has a concussion and is still recovering. The cat may be released back into the wild, if it hasn't suffered brain damage from the collision. Coincidentally, TreeHouse's resident bobcat, Tigger, died of natural causes last night; work was still being completed on his new enclosure at the Dow facility. If this new lady cat can't make it on her own in the wild, Tigger's home will be put to good use.
If you're an animal lover looking to waste some time at work today, check out TreeHouse's family of permanent residents (you can also make a donation to help TreeHouse continue their work). Marcel the Opossum is particularly charming.
