citation_inspection: 33417

***The female Asiatic black bear was observed pacing in an abnormal behavior pattern. Pacing can be indicative of physical or psychological issues that may require medical treatment or habitat/husbandry modification. The bear was noted on inspection to be overweight and to have poor muscle tone (as seen when she stood on her hind legs). She also exhibits a marked angular deformity of her front feet, which turn sharply inward. The licensee stated the animal has had this deformity since she came to the facility. These issues may contribute to pain and reduced mobility, and must be evaluated by a veterinarian in order to provide appropriate treatment and management of the pacing, weight and mobility issues. The licensee informed the inspectors that the animal will be transferred to another facility in the near future. The animal must be promptly evaluated by the attending veterinarian or safely transferred to the receiving facility for evaluation and care. ***The bobcat exhibited abnormal pacing behavior in its enclosure. The animal paced very rapidly and continuously on the partial platform in the rafters of its enclosure. We observed the animal pacing nearly continuously for over 15 minutes, and this continued even when the licensee walked away from the enclosure and the inspectors moved out of the animal’s line of sight. The bobcat remained in the rafters for the duration of the first day of inspection, and when asked the licensee stated that the bobcat rarely descended from that area, and primarily ventured down to ground level only to eat and drink. Abnormal behavior patterns can be indicative of physical or psychological issues that may require medical treatment or habitat/husbandry modification, and must be evaluated promptly by the attending veterinarian in order to receive appropriate treatment and management. ***The cage mate of the coatimundi cited under the direct NCI, exhibited abnormal pacing behavior in its enclosure. It paced rapidly by the rear entrance of its enclosure almost continuously for over ten minutes of observation, and continued the behavior even when the inspectors and owner stepped away from the enclosure. Abnormal behavior patterns can be indicative of physical or psychological issues that may require medical treatment or habitat/husbandry modification, and must be evaluated promptly by the attending veterinarian in order to receive appropriate treatment and management. All of the above must be corrected by November 11, 2016.