Bobcat rescued from storm drain in Charlotte County

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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. A bobcat is slowly recovering after being rescued from a storm drain.

Charlotte County Animal Control discovered the animal injured in a ditch near Veterans and Orlando boulevards after receiving a tip. It had a broken leg and internal bleeding.

“I’ve been at the department for close to 20 years and I’ve never seen one in this particular situation,” said Brian Jones, the division manager for Charlotte County Animal Control.

The bobcat was rushed to the Peace River Wildlife Center, where it’s receiving 24-hour care.

But a recovery wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for the partnership between the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, animal control and the wildlife center, doctors said.

“An animal control officer stayed with him and kept traffic routed away from him, and kept him under control until I could get there,” said Dr. Robin Jenkins, director of veterinary services at the wildlife center. “Without help like that, we probably wouldn’t have been able to help this cat.”

The bobcat is currently in a coma. If it wakes up, it will be transported to a larger facility in Venice for more treatment before being released into the wild.

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