While inspecting a remote stretch of railway nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Coby Reid spotted something unusual on the tracks — a small figure nearly camouflaged against the snowy landscape.
At first glance, it looked like a young bobcat lounging right in the middle of the rails, completely unbothered by the cold or the presence of oncoming trains. “He was sitting on his haunches with one leg draped over the rail, like he was relaxing in a recliner,” Reid told The Dodo.
But as Reid and his partner approached, it became clear that the cat wasn’t relaxing — he was in serious trouble.
The bobcat had become frozen to the metal rail, likely after sitting too long in the frigid weather. His body heat had melted just enough snow to bind his leg to the icy steel.
And worse — a train was coming.
With no time to waste, Reid threw his jacket over the animal to help warm him up. The bobcat, being wild and fiercely independent, wasn’t impressed by the gesture — but Reid and his team had a plan.
“We quickly called our office and asked someone to bring us a bucket of hot water,” Reid said.
Soon, their boss arrived with warm water in hand. They gently poured it over the stuck limb, managing to free one of the bobcat’s legs — but not without protest. “He wasn’t thrilled,” Reid said. “And he let us know it.”
After another pour and some careful maneuvering, the rest of the cat broke free. But instead of running off in gratitude, the bobcat stood his ground, clearly unhappy about the whole ordeal.
Still, Reid and the others were able to safely move him off the tracks — just 30 minutes before a train thundered through the area.
“That train would’ve taken his life if we hadn’t been out doing inspections that morning,” Reid said.
The bobcat may not have shown appreciation in the moment, but thanks to a few determined humans, he got a second chance — and the freedom to roam again.
