L’il Miss Priss' Story

Lil’ Miss Priss and her siblings were taken from the wild when they were only a few weeks old. As a kitten, she was temporarily kept as a ‘pet’ by a family, who quickly discovered her untamed nature after she bit through a pair of welding gloves. This situation highlights a common misconception: the belief that raising a wild animal from a young age will domesticate them. Lil’ Miss Priss proved otherwise, showcasing that even though she was little and young, her wild instincts remained intact regardless of her upbringing.

At less than two months old, her owners contacted Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) to help rehome her. Unfortunately, she must remain in captivity, as she never had the chance to learn essential survival skills like hunting or competing for food from her mother. Although she cannot be rehabilitated and placed back into the wild, TCWR still encourages Lil Miss Priss to use her natural behaviors and instincts through enrichment and allows various places for her to hide.

Lil Miss Priss stays true to her wild heritage and only appears at dusk or dawn. She prefers to remain hidden on her elevated wooden platforms. When she does come down to the ground, she will be sure to hide behind logs or in the long grass. Lil Miss patrols her habitat in the afternoons and calls out excitedly while waiting for the evening and food.