PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CROW

A male juvenile bobcat was rescued on Jan. 12 by Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife staff after it was found with its head trapped inside a birdhouse in Fort Myers.

A homeowner found the cat in their front yard with one of their wood nesting bird boxes on its head. The homeowner contacted CROW and soon after, a team of veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators arrived to help.

First, veterinarians sedated the cat so it could be handled safely. The team was unable to pull the cat from the small opening and began to carefully dismantle the house from around it. When one of the sides was removed, it became apparent what the bobcat was after as an eastern gray squirrel was found inside. The squirrel was unharmed and quickly ran off when released from the box.

The team removed the cat from the birdhouse by cutting the wooden pieces from around its neck. Veterinarians checked the bobcat for injuries and provided fluids for dehydration from struggling to free itself.

The cat was found to be in otherwise good health with no injuries. An injection was given to reverse the sedation and the bobcat quickly recovered. It was transported to a nearby preserve and released.

If you find an animal that is in need of help, contact CROW at 239-472-3644, extension 222.

For more information about CROW, visit www.crowclinic.org.