CALAVERAS COUNTY, Calif. (KTVU) - A mountain lion cub was rescued by a team of Butte Fire volunteers on Monday, while they were evacuating domestic animals in Calaveras County.
The male kitten weighs nine pounds and is estimated to be three to four months old.
He was found with burn and singe marks on his paws and face.
The lion kitten is now under the care of a wildlife veterinarian at the State's wildlife investigation lab where his prognosis is guarded.
Veterinarians say it is unlikely the kitten will be able to return to the wild.
They are hopeful he will make a full recovery and can be placed in a wildlife care and education facility.