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Beausoleil, R.A.
Orphaned kittens in Washington result in a decade of nationwide cougar education
2014  Conference Proceeding

Between 2002 and 2012, 26 orphan cougar (Puma concolor) cubs have been reported to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), captured by staff, and placed with facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) throughout the U.S. In addition to over 15 million visitors per year at these facilities, innumerable television and newsprint stories have covered the capture, transport, and arrival of these animals, thus reaching out to countless millions more people. This has not only resulted in high quality cougar education programs benefiting people who may never have the chance to see a cougar in the wild, but also brought prominent national attention to WDFW. The process of responding, capturing, and providing care until arrangements are finalized, and transporting animals requires organization, commitment, and on occasion personal donations of time and money. In almost all cases, orphaned cougar kittens are reported to WDFW by a member of the public concerned that the animals will not survive on their own. Many times, the reports are given without the reporting party knowing the specifics; only that the kittens have been seen without an audit. If it's the first sighting, and we do not have background knowledge, we ask that they leave the animals alone and keep us informed daily; this avoids removing kittens that are not orphaned and left temporarily while the adult female is hunting for food. As additional information is obtained, and we are certain the adult is no longer present, a response is initiated. In addition to using several types of box traps, kittens have been captured using WDFW's Karelian Bear Dogs (treeing kittens), and by hand on several occasions. Once captured, all kittens are tested for FeLV/FIV, transported to a veterinarian and given a thorough examination, care is administered if needed and biological measurements are gathered and recorded. Health certificates and import permits are then obtained to facilitate transfer. Many times, kittens need to travel by aircraft to their final destination. Regulations require an absorbent material be used as a base layer in the transport crate, windows and doors are securely covered with breathable burlap, doors are securely locked, and food and water is provided. Flights are almost always direct to the destination to limit time in the crate. As much as possible, we keep the reporting party involved throughout the process; this had resulted in respect, credibility, and much appreciation. We acknowledge the assistance of Michelle Schireman, North America Section AZA Felid TAG Puma Population Manager & Regional Studbook Keeper, who has been an invaluable collaborator in placing these animals, and the AZA organizations throughout the U.S. that have provided a place for these animals to become ambassadors for the species.

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