Scottish Wildcat kitten dies after being found freezing
A Wildcat kitten found freezing in the Huntly’s Cave area north of Grantown has died after been taken into care.
Pete Macnab who found the kitten thought it was a domestic cat when he posted photos on social media, hoping the owner would come forward. Some users quickly pointed out that the cat was most likely a Wildcat.
“When first found it was surrounded by a herd of noisy sheep” said Mr Macnab
Following an examination by a vet The kitten was said to be a severe state of distress, was sodden through and unable to stand.
It is estimated that there are just 100-300 pure wildcats left in Scotland. A £3.2 million project to increase their numbers is currently taking shape in the strath, a stronghold for the remaining population.
Work is underway at the Saving Wildcat Conservation Breeding Centre at the Highland Wildlife Park by Kincraig. The 3 Hectare site will house 12 breeding units and eight pre-release enclosures. It is hoped at wildcats bred at the site could be released into the strath as early as 2022.
15 January 2021
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