Bobcat kitten rescued from brush fire being treated at CROW
Bayshore firefighter finds weeks-old bobcat alone, crawling out of ash
Sanibel’s Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is treating a bobcat kitten rescued by a firefighter in a brush fire in Charlotte County
Bayshore volunteer firefighter Julian Roman-Kulwicki was working the brush fire when he came across the kitten meowing and crawling out of a pile of ashes.
“I went over, grabbed it and wrapped it in my jacket,” Roman-Kulwick said.
The fire on Orange Blossom Boulevard in Charlotte County at that point on May 24 was believed to have been started by lighting. It spanned 4 acres, according to the Bayshore Fire Department.
CROW is now treating the kitten, estimated to be 4-6 weeks old.
Veterinarians at CROW did not find any burns, injuries, or current issues with the kitten’s lungs, and she continues to be closely monitored.
“Right now, she is stable and resting comfortably in our care, which is encouraging,” said Dr. Jessica Comolli, CROW’s Research and Medical director. “One of our biggest concerns at this stage is the possibility of smoke inhalation. Even when animals appear stable initially, respiratory complications can develop over time, so we are monitoring her very closely. We’re very grateful to the Bayshore Fire team for bringing in this bobcat kitten to CROW.”
Roman-Kulwicki, who has been a volunteer at the Bayshore Fire Department for about a month, said he is trained to “protect life.”
“She was cold to the touch, so I tried to warm her up,” he said. “I started to do research and found out it was a baby bobcat.”
He has affectionally named the bobcat kitten Ash.
Bayshore Fire Captain William LeMieux was at the station when the kitten arrived wrapped up in firefighting gear.
“I washed her off. She was exhausted,” he said. “I’m relieved the bobcat kitten is with CROW. I know she is in good hands there and hopefully will get back to the wild.”
CROW is a nonprofit organization dedicated to treating the sick, injured, and orphaned native and migratory wildlife of Southwest Florida.
Southwest Florida residents can call CROW’s first responder team at 239-472-3644, ext. 222, with any questions about orphaned and injured wildlife.
About CROW
CROW was founded in 1968. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the sick, injured, and orphaned native and migratory wildlife of Southwest Florida and beyond. Through veterinary care, educational programs, and a visitor center, CROW strives to improve the health of wildlife and the environment. Its state-of-the-art Harkey Sea Turtle Complex is anticipated to open in 2026. For more information, please visit www.crowclinic.org. If you find an animal in need of help, call (239) 472-3644 ext. #222 or visit https://crowclinic.org/found-animal.