Hiker rescues young bobcat in Marin County

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A hiker rescued a lone bobcat kitten near Sausalito.

It was especially unusual because young bobcats rarely leave their mothers until they can keep up with them on hunting expeditions. 

The hiker noticed the little bobcat when she was following another hiker. But the small cat then focused on the hiker's dog.

In a blog post, Alison Hermance, director of communications at the wildlife hospital WildCare wrote, "On her wobbly little legs, the kitten couldn't walk very fast, and it was very clear that she needed help". 

That's when the hiker swaddled the 4-week-old bobcat and carried it to park rangers, who called WildCare.

Hermance says the kitten was dehydrated, but healthy. 

Once she was stable, the bobcat was transferred to Sierra Wildlife Rescue, who has two bobcats just a few weeks older than the one rescued in Marin County. 

She'll be north for at least two months before being released back into her home territory.