Bobcat Rescued, Euthanized After Severe Car Collision Injuries in Lincoln County

A bobcat was rescued after being struck by a car and trapped inside the engine compartment on Mount Zion Church Road in Lincoln County, North Carolina. The Alexis Fire Department, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, and the Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center (CWCC) responded, with CWCC sedating the 17-pound bobcat and safely removing it from the car's grill before transporting it to a wildlife hospital. Radiographs revealed the bobcat had a completely shattered humerus bone with too many fragments to repair, and veterinarians concluded that even a specialist could not fix the injury, making survival in the wild impossible. Due to the severity of the injuries, officials made the difficult decision to euthanize the bobcat, ensuring it died peacefully and free from pain. CWCC highlighted the emotional challenges of wildlife rescue, emphasizing their commitment to doing what is right for the animal despite heartbreaking outcomes. Bobcats are native to North Carolina and play an important role in the local ecosystem.