Arizona wildlife rescuers beg public to stop catching “kittens”
In a baffling turn of events, Arizona wildlife rescuers have issued a heartfelt plea to the public to stop capturing newborn “kittens”. Experts say that these fuzzy creatures, which often turn out to be mountain lions, bobcats or other species of big cats, are in desperate need of help. However, when well-meaning citizens find a fluffy baby animal in their backyard, they often don’t think twice before scooping it up, snapping a quick selfie and posting it to social media.
“It’s incredibly dangerous for people to be handling these animals,” warned Mary Smith, a veterinarian who works closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Not only do they look cute and cuddly, but they’re also incredibly powerful and have sharp claws and teeth. Just because they’re little doesn’t mean they’re not dangerous.”
Despite repeated warnings from wildlife agencies and veterinarians, there seems to be a disturbing trend of “kitten” catching across the state. In some cases, misguided individuals have even taken them into their homes and attempted to raise them as pets – a decision that is inevitably disastrous for both the animal and the owner.
“They might be cute when they’re small, but they grow up incredibly fast,” explained Smith. “And when they get bigger, they can become aggressive and dangerous.”
Experts say that it’s crucial for citizens to leave wildlife alone and to call a professional rescue group if they encounter an animal in distress. With their expertise and specialized equipment, wildlife rescuers are better equipped to handle these situations and ensure that the animal gets the care it needs.
“We understand that people want to help and do the right thing,” said Smith. “But the best way to help is to stay away and let the professionals take care of it. We have the skills, experience and training to ensure that the animal is given the best chance for survival.”
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, mountain lions, bobcats and other big cats are critical to the state’s ecosystem and play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature. If these animals are removed from the wild, it can have devastating ripple effects that are felt throughout the ecosystem.
So the next time you encounter a fluffy, adorable “kitten”, think twice before picking it up. It might be more wild than you think. And while it might look cute, it’s not worth risking your safety or the health of Arizona’s wildlife.
