Three weeks after the Eaton fire tore through our community, a lifeless bobcat was found near the scorched foothills of Sierra Madre. We dispatched an Animal Control Officer to investigate.

Upon arrival, it was immediately apparent that the female bobcat was in a dire situation. She was visibly emaciated and didn’t attempt to flee—a clear sign something was wrong.

She was safely transported back to Pasadena Humane, where our veterinary team began providing her with lifesaving care. The bobcat had severe burns on all four paws, with some wounds bone deep.

Typically, we would have transferred this injured bobcat to a wildlife rehabilitation center better equipped for an animal her size. But these were not normal times.

The Eaton fire had burned 14,000 acres of land in the Angeles National Forest and had devastated surrounding foothill communities. Much of wildlife that called these areas home were displaced.

In response to fire, some wild species will flee, others will hide, and many sadly succumb to the flames. We treated dozens of injured animals at our Sandra J. Goodspeed Wildlife Center, including hawks, finches, peacocks, cottontail rabbits, and even a bat.

Among the animals impacted by the fire were three bobcats—a staggering number equal to the total we typically admit in a year. This sudden influx underscored the unprecedented toll the fire took on local wildlife, disrupting habitats and pushing more animals into harm’s way.

We were not alone; partner wildlife organizations were filled to capacity. Still, we remained committed to helping all the wild animals in our care, including the badly burned Sierra Madre bobcat.

Treating a wild bobcat is not an easy task. During her initial exam, the injured bobcat was fully sedated. Our team took x-rays, started fluid therapy, and cleaned her badly burned paws. Her wounds were carefully bandaged, and she was started on much-needed antibiotics to fight infection.

Over the next two months, she required regular bandage changes and medical rechecks. Our veterinarians created a care plan designed to minimize stress while ensuring she received everything she needed to recover.

Once the bobcat’s paws were healed and she reached a healthy weight, we partnered with the California Wildlife Center, which now had space in one of their large outdoor enclosures. We needed to make sure she could freely express the natural behaviors essential to survival in the wild.

She soon proved she could run, climb, and hunt for her own food. After three months of dedicated rehabilitation, the female bobcat—once on death’s door—was healthy enough for release.

Bobcats must be returned to their home territory for the best chance of survival. Working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the property managers, we determined that the best release site was back in Sierra Madre, where she was originally found.

Emotions ran high on release day. The large crate that carried her was surrounded by our wildlife staff, who had cared for her since her arrival at the shelter back in late January.

As the crate door opened, she looked around tentatively before sprinting out. At the top of a hill, she paused briefly—turning back for one final look at the people who had helped her heal.Like the bobcat, wildlife is returning to areas burned during the Eaton fire.

Trail cameras in Altadena have recently captured coyotes, deer, owls, bobcats, and even a mountain lion. Plant and insect life has also begun to reemerge.

As our community—both human and animal—continues to recover, we are proud to provide ongoing care and rehabilitation for orphaned and injured wildlife throughout our service area.

To learn more about our Sandra J. Goodspeed Wildlife Center and wildlife rehabilitation program, visit pasadenahumane.org/wildlife.

Chris Ramon is interim chief executive officer at Pasadena Humane.  hello@pasadenahumane.org.