Samaritan’s rabbit rescue sparks controversy

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It is expected that a Good Samaritan who saves a rabbit from a raging fire would be praised for their bravery and kindness.

But not for Oscar Gonzalez, a 19-year-old from southern California, who has unexpectedly faced criticism from wildlife experts – despite being heralded by many as a hero for rescuing the animal from the Thomas Fire which is currently wreaking havoc in the region.

The motorcyclist was allegedly driving his friend home from work alongside the highway in Ventura County when he spotted the rabbit.

Oscar stamps at his feet in desperation to save the rabbit. /RMG News Photo

In the footage filmed Wednesday by a news photographer from Los Angeles-based KABC, the 19-year-old was seen jumping and scratching his head in frustration during his attempts to bring the furry creature back from the raging inferno, as the animal first appeared to turn its back to the rescuer and head towards the flames.

Oscar cradles the rabbit in his arms. /RMG News Photo

He was also caught on camera tenderly scooping up and cradling the animal to make it more comfortable after the rabbit eventually jumped into his arms.

As the video clip went viral, many showed their appreciation to the man’s dauntless behavior, despite putting himself at risk.

Ellen DeGeneres praised Oscar on her Instagram account. /Daily Mail Photo

“To everyone who, in the chaos of these fires, is taking time to look out for animals, I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Ellen DeGeneres, the US comedian and megastar, best known as the host of her “Ellen DeGeneres Show” said on her Instagram page.

Oscar Gonzalez’s move, however, has been slammed by wildlife experts for his alleged unnecessary intervention as the animals are believed to have their own survival instincts.

“If you encounter a wild animal in our neighborhood, leave it alone,” Peter Tira, California Fish and Wildlife spokesperson warned in October in an interview with the San Francisco Gate as wildfires were engulfing northern California, adding “Fire is something animals have to deal with constantly.”

According to the science news portal Live Science, the move may have separated the animal from its family, as rabbits might be still giving birth to the litters at this time of the year.

Oscar scoops the rabbit up. /RMG News Photo

Oscar later defended himself from the barrage of criticism, saying that he could in no way turn a blind eye to the poor creature and leave it to the ravaging fire.

“I have animals myself I didn’t want the poor rabbit to get hurt,” Oscar told Daily Mail on Friday, adding “I knew it was dangerous but I couldn't leave them to burn!”

He also denied separating the rabbit from its litter as two more critters were also reportedly followed him when he carried the animal to the other side of the highway.

An image released Thursday by NASA showing the raging fire in California, US. /Chinanews Photo

Wildfires have been burning in southern California for the past week. As of Saturday, one person has been killed and over 200,000 residents were evacuated as the Thomas Fire, along with five other blazes, have ravaged some 160,000 acres in the region, CNN reported citing local officials.