When a kind soul driving by saw a little puppy-like animal alone by the roadside, he knew he had to intervene. He placed the puppy in a cardboard box and transported it to the Bartlett Police Department in Illinois, confident the officers would assist.
A Strange Looking Dog
At the police department, Sergeant Kyle Rybaski gladly took over caring for the stray dog and planned to bring it to the local animal shelter. However, upon closer inspection, Sergeant Kyle and his colleagues noticed this puppy was unlike any ordinary dog. “We soon realized that it wasn’t the average puppy. When I picked her up, her fur felt wiry, her paws were slightly larger than typical dog paws, and her sharp nails caught our attention,” shared Sergeant Kyle.
As they examined the puppy, the police crew increasingly speculated about its breed. After a quick internet search to discover what baby coyotes look like, Sergeant Kyle was taken aback! “It looked just like a coyote. We were thrilled. It’s not often that you get to hold a coyote in your hands, and everybody was like, ‘Aww!’”
Calling Reinforcements
Although the baby coyote had seemingly strayed from her pack, she appeared to be healthy. However, being too young to fend for herself, the baby coyote could not be returned to the wild yet. Sergeant Kyle reached out to the Willowbrook Wildlife Center, explaining the unexpected situation and soliciting their assistance. Swiftly, the wildlife center dispatched a team to take the little coyote into their care.
The staff assured Sergeant Kyle that she was in capable hands and would be accompanied by other coyotes until she matures enough to be released back into the wild.
Final Word
This was undoubtedly a memorable day for Sergeant Kyle and his team. “It was very rewarding to know she will be well cared for. It was indeed a remarkable experience,” he reflected. However, it’s crucial to remember that if you encounter a coyote, it’s best to observe from a distance. Since coyotes are known to carry rabies, approaching them poses a risk of contracting this disease. If you find yourself near one, please contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation center; these trained professionals will know how to handle the situation appropriately.
