Beloved bobcat receives identify 1 12 months after arrival at Central Oregon’s wildlife museum

A bobcat who arrived on the High Desert Museum in Bend as a small kitten is now a full-grown cat and has been named Timber.

The bobcat was dropped at the museum simply over a 12 months in the past. He’d been discovered within the Portland space separated from his mom. State wildlife officers first tried to return him to the place he was discovered however the kitten stored gravitating towards folks.

Timber received his identify after the museum held a raffle throughout its annual gala this summer season. The raffle winner received to call him.

“Timber is undoubtedly now a visitor favorite at the Museum,” mentioned Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw in a press launch. “While bobcats are well established in the High Desert, it’s rare to see one, especially so close. So Timber presents a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with an important predator of the High Desert.”

Timber will be seen sometimes as a part of the museum’s atrium habitat throughout from the everlasting “Spirit of the West” exhibition. Timber alternates within the house with Gert the grey fox.

“Timber is smart and took quickly to training and working with wildlife staff,” mentioned Curator of Wildlife Jon Nelson. “He also enjoys visitors and at times can be seen playing with people through the viewing glass of his habitat.”

In the wild, bobcats eat a variety of prey together with birds and small mammals. Timber enjoys meals of rats, mice, rabbit, quail and different whole-animal meals on the museum, Nelson says.

The High Desert Museum cares for greater than 120 animals, from otters to raptors.

The majority of animals are non-releasable, both attributable to accidents or as a result of they grew to become too acquainted with people.

They function ambassadors to coach the general public about conservation.