Magnolia Hills Wildlife Rehabilitation

06/11/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cr9YJgyMf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We know, we know: If not friend, why friend-shaped?

We've seen the photos and heard the reports, so let's talk big kitties, y'all.

There appears to be a particularly impressive bobcat making the rounds in Keller lately (this shot was taken on Johnson near Pearson). But while it's always exciting to spot one of our wild neighbors, there's no need to panic.

Bobcats are native to North Texas and have become fairly common in suburban areas, even if they're not always easy to spot. Let's dispel some rumors:

❌ FICTION: Bobcats are basically mountain lions.
✅ FACT: Bobcats are much smaller, with most weighing between 15 and 35 pounds. That means even a large bobcat may still be smaller than it looks in photos.

❌ FICTION: If you see a bobcat during the day, something is wrong.
✅ FACT: Bobcats are most active around dawn and dusk, but daytime sightings happen regularly, especially when they're hunting or moving between areas.

❌ FICTION: Bobcats are aggressive toward people.
✅ FACT: Bobcats are typically shy and prefer to avoid humans, and attacks on people are extremely rare.

❌ FICTION: Bobcats don't belong in neighborhoods.
✅ FACT: They were here long before the neighborhoods. Like coyotes, they've adapted surprisingly well to suburban environments where creeks, greenbelts, parks and undeveloped areas provide habitat.

That said, we still encourage you to give bobcats space and enjoy your sighting from a safe distance! We also encourage you to supervise small pets outdoors, especially around dawn and dusk, and follow Keller's leash laws when you're out walking.

When should you call Animal Services? If a bobcat appears sick, severely injured or trapped, is acting aggressively toward people or seems unusually comfortable approaching humans.

Otherwise, the best response is the simplest one: appreciate the wildlife encounter and let the bobcat keep enjoying its big kitty activities.

📷 Erin McMinn

06/11/2026

An open letter to my fellow Rehabbers:

After many years in wildlife rehabilitation, I’ve witnessed some incredible acts of compassion, dedication, and teamwork. I’ve also seen some of the challenges that exist within our community, and I wanted to share a reminder with fellow rehabilitators—especially those permitted through Texas Parks & Wildlife.
At the end of the day, we are all here for the animals.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen situations where personal disagreements, competition, territorial attitudes, or misinformation have gotten in the way of what should always be our primary focus: providing the best possible care for wildlife. I’ve seen rehabilitators hesitate to seek help from someone with specialized experience because of past conflicts. I’ve seen people become overly concerned with what animals another rehabilitator takes, how many animals they admit, or how they choose to operate their program.
The truth is that every permitted rehabilitator has different circumstances, resources, experience levels, facilities, and personal boundaries. No one should feel pressured to take more animals than they can responsibly care for. No one should feel obligated to justify their admission numbers or decisions to other rehabilitators. As permitted rehabilitators, we are accountable to ourselves, our organizations and teams, and to Texas Parks & Wildlife—not to public opinion within the rehabilitation community.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that rumors, gossip, and negativity rarely help wildlife. They only distract from the work that needs to be done. If someone chooses to spread misinformation or create conflict, don’t let it pull you away from your mission. Continue doing good work. Continue learning. Continue helping animals. Continue supporting the people who genuinely support you.

A wise friend once told me, “The cream always rises to the top.” Over time, integrity, professionalism, and dedication tend to speak for themselves.

Let’s build each other up, share knowledge freely, ask for help when we need it, and remember that wildlife rehabilitation is not a competition. Every animal deserves the benefit of a community that works together rather than against one another.
Thank you to the many rehabilitators who lead with kindness, mentorship, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to wildlife. You make this field better for all of us—and most importantly, for the animals we serve.

06/10/2026

⚠️ NEW WORLD SCREWWORM ALERT ⚠️

This is not a reason to panic, but it is a reason to stay informed and alert.

The New World Screwworm (NWS) is a parasite that can affect wildlife, livestock, pets, and even people. Unlike most maggots, which feed on dead or decaying tissue, screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, causing wounds to become larger and more severe over time.

🪰 HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM A REGULAR MAGGOT?
• Regular fly maggots are usually smooth-bodied and feed on dead tissue.�• Screwworm larvae have distinct bands of dark spines around their bodies, giving them a “screw-like” appearance and allowing them to burrow into living tissue.
📸 (See comparison photos below)

🚨 IF YOU FIND AN ANIMAL WITH SUSPECTED SCREWWORMS:

• Do not release the animal if it is wildlife already in your care.�• Take clear photos of the wound and larvae.�• If it can be done safely, collect a few larvae in a sealed container with rubbing alcohol.�• Contact a veterinarian, licensed wildlife rehabilitator, animal control agency, or state animal health officials as soon as possible.
Most maggots found in wounds are not screwworms, but early detection is critical. If something doesn’t look right, report it and let the experts determine what it is.

The message is simple: Don’t panic—just be aware, stay observant, and report suspicious cases.

Please share to help spread awareness

You can check for the most updated quarantine areas here
https://www.tahc.texas.gov/emergency/nws.html



06/10/2026

This baby bobcat was found in a burn pile. My friend Jennifer who runs Tri County Wildlife Rehab did a super wonderful job of tending to her wounds and getting her healthy before sending her to me to finish out her rehab.
FYI, sound will start after intro slides.
Jennifer Beard

06/09/2026

Sound up! Education Ambassador Luna meets babies, including scared one from last week! Check comments for more information!
Also, check out our page for more wildlife videos!

06/09/2026

Baby bobcat update. They had their vaccines and were moved out to the cage today. They will love all their space and already love getting to be near the two older bobcats!

06/08/2026

There will be a big baby bobcat announcement tomorrow.
Stay tuned!

06/07/2026

Gorgeous baby!

06/06/2026

Can you spare a few dollars to help us out? We definitely and desperately need to purchase another 10x10 heavy duty dog run/kennel in order to take in and care for more wildlife, allowing us to raise them through release. The Amazon wish list has been updated to give an example of what we are needing. (Pic of two of the older bobcats in our care)

06/06/2026

🦌 This is completely normal behavior for a deer fawn, and human intervention is unnecessary.

Fawns are born nearly scentless so predators cannot find them easily. They also have spots that serve as camouflage and are able to stand soon after being born, but as a protective tactic will remain hidden.
📷 Daryl Mummey