SEAGOVILLE, Texas, June 22 (UPI) -- A three-legged bobcat injured in a trap has been released back into the wild south of Seagoville, Texas, wildlife authorities said.
The bobcat, named Darlean, was released Sunday along with a band of possums and raccoons rescued by the Wildlife Center at Crosstimbers Ranch, The Dallas Morning News reported Monday.
Darlean was missing her right hind leg up to the knee when she was captured earlier this year by animal control officers in Frisco, Texas. Because the wound had not healed properly, veterinarians amputated the rest of the leg to the hip several weeks ago, said Valeri Marler, chief operating officer of the ranch.
Darlean had learned to balance on three legs before being captured in Frisco and Marler said she was optimistic the cat would survive in the wild.
"Normally, a three-legged cat would not do well," said Marler, whose group rehabilitated and released more than 900 animals last year.
