Orphaned Cougar Kittens in Good Hands

Three cougar kittens that were orphaned when their mother was shot by hunters near Cambridge are in the care of a rehabilitator. Contrary to some media reports, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is not seeking help from the public to feed or otherwise care for the kittens. "The kittens are currently being provided excellent care at a licensed wildlife rehabilitator's private residence in the Treasure Valley" said biologist Jon Rachael "Arrangements will soon be made for them to be relocated to a permanent home in a sanctuary or zoo, most likely out of state." Fish and Game has made a tentative arrangement to send the kittens to Big Cat Rescue Sanctuary in Tampa, Florida. If all goes according to plan the kittens will be leaving Idaho sometime this week. Rachael has also received requests from people who would like to see the kittens. While they are very cute and the desire for a close-up look is understandable, Rachael says it would not be good for the cougars, which are only a few weeks old. "These are wild animals, and we will continue to treat them as wild animals," Rachael said "I believe minimal contact with humans is in the best interest of these mountain lion kittens at this critical time in their lives."