SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has returned three young bobcats to the wild.

The cats were rehabilitated at the Wildlife Center in Espanola after being found in a residential area in the hills just outside of Santa Fe last spring.

Wildlife officials say a homeowner discovered a litter of bobcats under his deck. The mother eventually moved the kittens to another location but she left one behind. That kitten's eyes were still closed but it was in good health and was rescued.

Another bobcat and two kittens were found in a barn in the area. They were also taken to the center to be rehabilitated.

All three kittens were raised together with the adult bobcat. They were released last Friday.