Snakes, Foxes and Bobcats - Oh My!

The von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida had quite the surprise when it admitted two bobcats recently. Two snakes and two foxes were also admitted the same week. In all, the von Arx Wildlife Hospital admitted 56 wildlife patients and released 33 animals back to the wild.

The first bobcat was transferred to us from Peace River Wildlife Center. Currently, Peace River Wildlife Center is still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. While they are still accepting animals, they need help caring for and treating wildlife. As a community resource, we are here to support and help them with any animal admissions they receive. If you would like to donate and help Peace River Wildlife Center get back to full operations, please see their website.

Once the bobcat arrived to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, our staff veterinarian performed a full sedated exam. Based off history with bobcat injuries, it was assumed that the bobcat was hit by a car. On the radiographs, we found that the bobcat had multiple fresh fractures on the left and right front forelimbs and an old healed femur fracture. There was also metal found in the radiograph, which lets us know that the bobcat was also shot at some point. Unfortunately, humane euthanasia was the only option due to the severity of the injuries. 

Later that morning, a second bobcat was admitted that was also suspected to be hit by car. This bobcat was found the night before on the road and was brought to the Emergency Pet Hospital of Collier where she stayed overnight and received supportive care until the von Arx Wildlife Hospital opened. Once we opened, the vet clinic immediately transferred the bobcat to our hospital for an exam. It was determined that the bobcat was dull and there was trauma to the eye which confirmed that the bobcat was hit by a car. 

After the sedated radiographs, it was noted that the bobcat had a right hip fracture and a microchip. After contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC), they were able to scan a microchip and determine she was microchipped by FWC during a recent study. Based off the date she was microchipped it was determined she is only eight months old. Her fracture is healing and she is gaining her strength. The bobcat has been transferred over to the Naples Zoo where she will continue to recover in a proper enclosure before being released. 

A black racer and a red rat snake were also admitted to the wildlife hospital. The black racer was found on the rescuer’s front porch by their cat. After a full exam, it was determined that the snake was dull but responsive to touch. We could tell that the snake was young because of its coloring and its size only reaching six inches long. The black racer also had two punctures into the body cavity and spine was fractured. Unfortunately, the injuries were too severe, and humane euthanasia was the only option. 

The red rat snake was found on the road after being hit by a car. During the exam, the snake was still alert and active, but the injuries were too severe for rehabilitation, so humane euthanasia was the best option as well. 

Reptiles in general are slow to heal and slow to pass. Therefore, if you see any reptile with severe injuries and you think they may have died or would not be able to survive an injury, you may be surprised what reptiles can withstand. Regardless, please always bring the animal to the wildlife hospital because it could still be breathing and alive. By bringing the animal to the wildlife hospital, you are not only helping them by ending their suffering but you are also giving them a chance to be evaluated by a veterinarian. As mentioned before, reptiles are slow to heal but they are remarkable creatures and can heal many wounds. There is a reason why they have been on our planet for 200 million years.

Two gray foxes were also admitted to our wildlife hospital this past week. Both rescuers made the correct action. They noticed that the foxes were showcasing abnormal behavior by lying down in the open and acting lethargic. They then called the wildlife hospital to see what to do next. This is an important step because foxes are high-risk rabies vector species and you need the correct equipment to handle them. We do not suggest the public contain them on their own. Each case was different, but for the first case we called FWC to assist with containing the fox. 

For the second fox case, we sent a staff member out to contain the fox. Once the fox arrived to the hospital, our staff veterinarian did a full exam. It was determined based off of a neurological exam that both foxes had possible distemper, so humane euthanasia was the best option. 

Distemper is a virus that is in the environment and is transmitted from species to species by nasal secretion. Typically, this happens from food. For example, if you leave food out for outside cats, you are attracting other wild animals as well. The spread of distemper occurs when a cat comes to eat food left out, followed by a raccoon infected with distemper stopping by for a snack. Later that night, another animal, such as a fox, might consume the same food. This chain of events facilitates the transmission of the disease. It is important to not leave food out because you can be essentially spreading viruses amongst the native wildlife and domestic animals 

If you find an animal that has been hit by a car, please bring them to the wildlife hospital. We have trained professional staff members who will be able to assess the animal and provide them with proper care. Please keep your cat indoors and do not leave food outside for wildlife to find. By leaving food outside, you are spreading diseases to the native wildlife. 

Lauren Barkley is the Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, Florida 34102. Call 239-262-2273 for wildlife assistance or see conservancy.org. The wildlife hospital is open 365 days a year from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.