A French bulldog found near Sacramento International Airport after a caller reported a possible mountain lion was rescued on Dec. 13 by Ben Nuckolls of California Wildlife Encounters. The six-month-old, ~18-pound pup was unresponsive at first, warmed and taken to a vet; no microchip was found. The dog was placed on a mandatory stray hold at Bradshaw Animal Shelter and will be transferred to a rescue with more experience caring for French bulldogs. Officials reminded the public that mountain lions are common near the Sacramento River and shared safety tips for outdoor activity.
Abandoned French Bulldog Mistaken for Mountain Lion Rescued Near Sacramento Airport
Gett(2)French bulldog and a mountain lion.
An abandoned French bulldog was rescued on Dec. 13 after a caller near Sacramento International Airport reported what they believed to be a young mountain lion in a watery drainage ditch. Rescuer Ben Nuckolls of California Wildlife Encounters responded and discovered a small, neglected dog rather than a wild cat.
Nuckolls said the pup was initially unresponsive and shivering; he wrapped it in a white-and-blue blanket to warm it before taking it to a local veterinarian. The vet found no microchip, so the dog could not be immediately reunited with an owner. The dog was then transferred to Bradshaw Animal Shelter to begin the mandatory stray-hold process. Shelter staff estimate the French bulldog is about six months old and weighs roughly 18 pounds.
Bradshaw Animal Shelter told KCRA that the puppy may have been intentionally abandoned because it did not meet breed standards, which can lower an animal's market value. The shelter said the pup is receiving medical care and will be transferred to a rescue organization with more experience and resources for French bulldogs.
The original caller acted prudently: mountain lions are common in the region around the Sacramento River, according to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge urges people to avoid hiking or jogging at dawn, dusk or night when mountain lions are most active. If a mountain lion approaches, officials advise not to run or crouch — instead, make yourself appear larger and fight back if necessary.
Next Steps
The puppy remains in protective care while Bradshaw Animal Shelter coordinates the mandatory hold and arranges a transfer to a specialized rescue. Anyone who recognizes the dog or has information is encouraged to contact Bradshaw Animal Shelter.
Safety Tip: If you spot a mountain lion, stay calm, make yourself look large, do not run, and report the sighting to local wildlife authorities.
