Bobcat returns to wild after being severely burned in California fire

By William Ormes Roder

A bobcat that was severely burned during the Camp Pendleton fire has been returned to the wild.

The adult male bobcat was admitted to San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife program at the Ramona Wildlife Center on July 28, 2026, suffering from severe trauma and burns after the Pipeline Fire, which ignited at Camp Pendleton on July 6.

Project Wildlife's veterinary team diagnosed the feline with first- to third-degree burn wounds across all four paw pads, acute kidney injury, severe emaciation and a heavy tick infestation.

The bobcat weighed just 7.5 pounds when he arrived and was given a treatment protocol combining fluid therapy, nutrition, pain management, wound debridement and topical burn care.

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During his 65 days at the Ramona Wildlife Center, the bobcat more than doubled his intake weight to over 15 pounds, while his anemia and organ values returned to normal and his paw pads fully healed.

Footage from Sept. 30, 2026, shows the moment the team returned the bobcat to the area where they found him.

Alisa Zych, Resource Management Branch Head for Camp Pendleton's Environmental Security Department, said: "Camp Pendleton's environmental stewardship relies on strong collaboration, and this successful release highlights our enduring partnership with San Diego Humane Society."

"From our Conservation Law Enforcement Officers rescuing this injured bobcat to our environmental team helping release him back onto the base, we are proud to work alongside their dedicated experts to protect and preserve the native wildlife entrusted to our care."