A man in San Diego spotted something unusual drifting in a flooded river, suspecting it was an animal in distress. Acting quickly, he contacted the San Diego Humane Society, but the animal was too far out for a land rescue.
Upon noticing the creature had its head trapped in a plastic container, the humane society understood the urgency and sought additional help. The only way to reach the animal was by boat so they enlisted the assistance of local lifeguards.
Two lifeguards promptly responded and navigated the turbulent waters to reach the animal. Despite challenging weather conditions, they managed to get close and retrieve it. The lifeguards then safely brought the animal, which they initially thought was a dog, back to shore, handing it over to the awaiting rescue team.
Once on land, the shivering animal was wrapped in a blanket and transported to the nearest San Diego Wildlife Center for further care. As the staff at the center removed the plastic container, they made a surprising discovery—the animal was not a dog but a wild coyote.
Nevertheless, the staff was committed to assisting the creature, which was suffering from mild hypothermia, covered in cactus spines, and had several wounds needing attention. After receiving initial care, the coyote was later transferred to a specialized facility that focuses on the rehabilitation of top predators.
The team is optimistic about the coyote’s recovery, hoping to soon release it back into its natural habitat.
It’s crucial to remember not to approach wild animals like coyotes. Coyotes, along with raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes, can carry different variants of the rabies virus, posing a potential risk to humans. If you encounter a coyote that seems to need help, it’s best to contact professional animal or wildlife services, who are equipped to handle the situation safely.
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