Bobcats Rescued After Tree Removal   Roanoke, VA (Oct. 22 2026) - We’re excited to share that the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center recently admitted 2 more orphaned Bobcat kittens. These two orphans arrived from Chatham, VA on Monday, September 28, 2026. For the first time ever, we are now in the care of four Bobcats! Background: These two were brought to us when a construction crew knocked over a tree and disturbed their den that was under the tree around the roots. After patiently waiting for mom to return from a safe distance for many hours the decision was made to bring them in for care. Upon arrival they were only a few days old with their eyes still closed! They are still currently on a formula diet but we expect them to transition to solids in the coming days. Bobcats are Virginia's only wild felid. Adult females can weigh up to 30lbs. They are known to eat prey such as rabbits, squirrels, birds, rats, and snakes. Rehabilitating these patients will present some very difficult challenges like: -Since they are so much younger than our other two Bobcats are scrambling to remodel our current fox enclosure to create a new habitat for them. This remodel is expected to cost $20,000. Donations for this project from the public are greatly appreciated! -We estimate the cost of this rehabilitation to be north of $20,000 before they are released some time next spring making this one of the longest and most expensive rehabs we've ever done. This cost includes the staff to look after them, medicine, vet exams, enclosure maintenance, and most of all, their food. This additional $20,000 is separate from the above enclosure remodel cost. -As these Bobcats are growing they will each eat the equivalent of 1 whole chicken per day which is ~$10/chicken. During the last few months in rehab we will have to provide them with food they find in the wild like quail and rabbits. The cost of just 1 large rabbit is $23 and they will each eat at least one per day, sometimes more depending on their size. -Since felids are highly susceptible to Covid-19, we must wear full PPE to avoid possible disease spread. Staff also wear a homemade Bobcat mask, or sometimes a leopard print pillowcase, while feeding to help avoid imprinting on humans which is easy to do at this young age. The last thing we want is to go through this long and expensive rehabilitation process only to discover that it now associates humans with food which would jeopardize its success in the wild. This will be a long and very expensive rehabilitation. Donations can be made by visiting: swvawildlifecenter.org/make-a-donation/ or sending a check to: Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center 5985 Coleman Road Roanoke, VA 24018

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