Last May, volunteer firefighters in Bayshore, Florida, in the USA, were called out to a brush fire.
During the incident, the crew spotted a tiny figure. Covered in soot and completely exhausted, the little creature was struggling to escape the flames.
Without hesitation, one of the rescuers wrapped the baby gently in a blanket to pull it from the blaze. Exhausted, the kitten did not put up any fight.
Back at the station, they gave the baby first aid. They offered water, gave it a good clean to remove the thick layer of soot from its fur, and showed it plenty of love to soothe its trauma.
The truth comes to light after bath time
It was when they took a closer look at the animal that doubts began to creep in. Its ears were small and unusually shaped, and its paws were much larger than those of a domestic cat. What is more, its faint coat patterns did not match any known cat breed in the area.
To be absolutely sure, the firefighters contacted a local wildlife rehabilitation centre. The experts' verdict was instant. The tiny survivor rescued from the flames was not a kitten at all, but a baby lynx.
A safe haven for the little survivor
Even though the identity of their little guest had changed, the firefighters loved him just as much.
The little survivor was then transferred to a specialised sanctuary, where he is now receiving expert care tailored to his species.