Bosque Del Oso, Colorado – Two young bobcats were released back into the wild on May 28 at the Bosque Del Oso State Wildlife Area.

The animals had spent the past 11 months at a wildlife rehabilitation center after being found as orphaned kittens.

When they arrived last July, one weighed just 1.5 pounds and the other 2.5 pounds.

Now, each has grown to a healthy 20 pounds and is ready for life in the wild.

The bobcats were first cared for indoors to stay warm and fed as they grew stronger.

Once big enough, they were moved outside to learn to hunt and survive on their own.

The release was timed with an increase in available prey to help them adapt more easily to their new environment.

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