Bobcat Trapped in Grille on Topeka Highway
A live bobcat lodged in the front of a Topeka driver's car after a morning collision on Highway 24 was freed by wildlife and animal control responders.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Wildlife
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Vicki Wheat was driving on Highway 24 around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 28, when a bobcat ran from a construction area into her path. The animal became lodged alive in the front grille of her car, and responders removed part of the grille to free it in a rescue that took about an hour.
Why it matters
The incident shows how wildlife collisions can leave both drivers and animals in danger, and it required coordination between state and county agencies. For Topeka drivers, it is a reminder that construction areas along local highways can bring wildlife onto the roadway.
The rescue took about an hour, and the collision happened around 5:30 a.m. on Highway 24. The car's grille must be replaced and part of its air conditioning system was dented.
The players
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
The state agency responsible for managing Kansas wildlife and responding to incidents involving wild animals, which freed and released the bobcat.
Shawnee County Animal Control
The county agency that responds to animal emergencies in Shawnee County, which assisted in the bobcat rescue.
The details
After the collision, Wheat heard a thud and initially believed she had killed the animal. She discovered the bobcat was still alive and trapped in the grille, so she drove her husband to work with it still lodged in the car before driving home to call for help from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Shawnee County Animal Control.
Timeline
Wednesday, October 28, around 5:30 a.m.: Bobcat runs into Wheat's car on Highway 24.
Same morning, after drop-off: Wheat drives home and calls for animal rescue help.
Culture Shift
Roadside encounters with wildlife in Kansas are handled through coordinated state and county response protocols. This incident fits that pattern, with the state wildlife agency and county animal control working together to free and release the animal.
Drivers on Highway 24 near construction areas should watch for wildlife, since animals can run onto the roadway without warning. If a wild animal becomes lodged in a vehicle, contacting the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks or local animal control is the recommended step.
The takeaway
Wildlife encounters on roadways can happen without warning, especially near construction zones. Staying alert and knowing whom to call can help drivers and animals stay safe.
Further reading
For more stories about animals in the region, explore the Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSNT 27.
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Do you take extra care for wildlife on roads during early-morning drives?
