A Great Loss, Garfield From The Beartooth Nature Center Passes Away
March 8, 2011 2:21 PM Sad news from the Beartooth Nature Center!
Red Lodge, MT, (March 8, 2011) - The Beartooth Nature Center is saddened by the loss of Garfield, a 7-year-old male Bobcat. He was humanely euthanized on March 8th. On March 4th, the animal care staff found Garfield with limited mobility and he was reluctant to stand for extended periods of time. His signs were suggestive of a severe neurological problem. Despite intensive care and treatment, his condition continually deteriorated. With his conditions rapidly and irreversibly deteriorating, the decision was made to humanely euthanize him. Necropsy results are pending. “Garfield has been a longtime favorite of guests and caretakers alike,” said Jeff Ewelt, director of The Beartooth Nature Center. “We are devastated by his passing and will miss him dearly. It’s always tough to lose a member of the Center family.” Garfield was 7 years old. Bobcat life spans average 6-8 years. With twelve recognized subspecies, Bobcats ranges from southern Canada to northern Mexico, including most of the continental United States. The bobcat is an adaptable predator that inhabits wooded areas, as well as semi-desert, urban edge, forest edges, and swampland environments. They persist in much of their original range and populations are healthy. Though the bobcat prefers rabbits and hares, it will hunt anything from insects and small rodents to deer. Those who wish to share a special Garfield memory with members of the zoo staff should send an e-mail to info@beartoothnaturecenter.org.
R.I.P. Garfield!
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