logo
Funny Animals Interesting Freaky Pop Culture

Massachusetts Family Rescues Stray Puppy, Discovers It's A Baby Coyote

by Damjan

In a heartwarming yet slightly surprising turn of events, a family in Massachusetts found themselves in an unexpected situation when they rescued what they initially believed to be a lost puppy, only to later discover that it was a baby coyote. This incident sheds light on the importance of understanding local wildlife and seeking proper assistance when encountering animals in distress.

Last month, in Cape Cod, a young eastern coyote was spotted wandering along a busy road, clearly separated from its pack and distressed. Concerned for its safety, a local family, mistaking it for a lost puppy, took it home with them.

However, upon realizing their mistake, they promptly reached out to the New England Wildlife Center for assistance. The wildlife center swiftly responded, assessing the young coyote for rabies and providing it with necessary vaccinations.

Estimated to be around five to six weeks old, the coyote pup was temporarily housed at the center. Recognizing the importance of socialization for young coyotes, the center decided to pair the pup with a female coyote of similar age, recently brought over from the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island.

Zack Mertz, executive director of the Cape Wildlife Center, emphasized the significance of providing a companion for the orphaned coyote, stating, “One of the best things you can do for a young pup that’s lost its family is at least provide a sibling of similar age. This way they can learn as much as they can from each other.”

A family mistakenly took him home, thinking he was a lost puppy.

A family mistakenly took him home, thinking he was a lost puppy.Facebook

While this story had a positive outcome, it shows us a reminder of the potential risks involved in rescuing wild animals without proper knowledge and assistance. In Massachusetts, coyotes are classified as a rabies vector species, meaning they are capable of transmitting rabies to other animals or humans.

Had the situation escalated differently, with the family-sustaining injuries from bites or scratches, the outcome could have been tragic. The New England Wildlife Center expressed gratitude towards those who intervened to help wildlife in need but emphasized the importance of contacting appropriate resources before taking action.

By doing so, not only can the well-being of the animal be ensured, but also the safety of those involved.

In Massachusetts, coyotes are considered rabies carriers, posing a risk of transmitting the disease to other animals or humans.

In Massachusetts, coyotes are considered rabies carriers, posing a risk of transmitting the disease to other animals or humans.Getty Images

The New England Wildlife Center in Massachusetts is like a hospital for animals. When animals get hurt or sick, the center takes care of them until they're healthy again.

They have a team of people who work hard to help all kinds of animals, from birds to deer. But the center doesn't just help animals; it also teaches people about them.

They have programs and exhibits where you can learn how to protect wildlife and live in harmony with nature. And they don't do it alone. The center works with other groups and scientists to learn more about animals and make sure they're safe.

This case had a happy ending, but it could have easily gone differently.

This incident highlights the importance of wildlife awareness and responsible intervention. While the family’s intentions were undoubtedly good-hearted, their misidentification of the coyote could have led to dire consequences.

By educating ourselves about local wildlife and seeking assistance from trained professionals, we can ensure the best possible outcome for both animals and humans alike.

Share this article:

Facebook icon Pinterest icon Tumblr icon Link icon Twitter icon

Related Articles

Heroic Cat Goes Viral For Stopping A Baby From Falling Down A Steep Stairway

Heroic Cat Goes Viral For Stopping A Baby From Falling Down A Steep Stairway

Heartless Owner Tied Puppy To Pole And Left Her To Die But Her Fate Turned And Good People Saved Her

Heartless Owner Tied Puppy To Pole And Left Her To Die But Her Fate Turned And Good People Saved Her

Woman Ditched Two Boxes In Man's Yard, He Found 40 Eyes Begging Him To Save Them

Woman Ditched Two Boxes In Man's Yard, He Found 40 Eyes Begging Him To Save Them

How Gwen Stefani And Blake Shelton Nursed A Near-Dead Kitten Back To Health And Into Their Hearts

How Gwen Stefani And Blake Shelton Nursed A Near-Dead Kitten Back To Health And Into Their Hearts

Brave Officers Take Heroic Dive Into Vile, Muck-Ridden Sewage Drain To Retrieve Adorable Puppy Trapped Inside

Brave Officers Take Heroic Dive Into Vile, Muck-Ridden Sewage Drain To Retrieve Adorable Puppy Trapped Inside

Watch As Heroic Firefighters Race Against Time To Save Trapped Kitten Moments Before Raging Storm Strikes

Watch As Heroic Firefighters Race Against Time To Save Trapped Kitten Moments Before Raging Storm Strikes

People Furious After Watching Footage Of Dog Abandoned During Hurricane Milton

People Furious After Watching Footage Of Dog Abandoned During Hurricane Milton

Spooky Security Footage From The Wild Leads To Unbelievable Reunion With Missing Feline

Spooky Security Footage From The Wild Leads To Unbelievable Reunion With Missing Feline

Cyclist Discovers Mysterious 'Pink Blob' On The Roadside, Turns Out To Be A Precious Life In Distress

Cyclist Discovers Mysterious 'Pink Blob' On The Roadside, Turns Out To Be A Precious Life In Distress

Abandoned ‘Stone-Skinned’ Pup Undergoes The Most Miraculous Transformation, Thanks To Kind Stranger

Abandoned ‘Stone-Skinned’ Pup Undergoes The Most Miraculous Transformation, Thanks To Kind Stranger

Here's How Nikola Tesla's Childhood Cat Started His Fascination With Electricity

Here's How Nikola Tesla's Childhood Cat Started His Fascination With Electricity

How First-Time Cat Dad’s Joyful Adoption Healed Rescuer’s Broken Spirit

How First-Time Cat Dad’s Joyful Adoption Healed Rescuer’s Broken Spirit

Beloved Grand Teton Icon Meets Heartbreaking Fate In Highway Collision

Beloved Grand Teton Icon Meets Heartbreaking Fate In Highway Collision

Pilot Adopts Stray Cat Mid-Flight During Hurricane Evacuation

Pilot Adopts Stray Cat Mid-Flight During Hurricane Evacuation

He Was 'Worst Dog Ever' With Three Failed Adoption Attempts Until Right Owner Turned Him Into Local Legend

He Was 'Worst Dog Ever' With Three Failed Adoption Attempts Until Right Owner Turned Him Into Local Legend

Cat’s Heartbreaking Story Of Survival And The Foster Family Who Restored Her Trust In Humanity

Cat’s Heartbreaking Story Of Survival And The Foster Family Who Restored Her Trust In Humanity

Courageous Pup Gets Named American Humane’s 2024 Hero Dog For Rescue Of 7-Year-Old Kidnapping Victim

Courageous Pup Gets Named American Humane’s 2024 Hero Dog For Rescue Of 7-Year-Old Kidnapping Victim

8 Five-Week Old Puppies Were Miraculously Rescued From Under A Burning Car By California’s Finest Firefighters

8 Five-Week Old Puppies Were Miraculously Rescued From Under A Burning Car By California’s Finest Firefighters

Furry Fugitives Ground Plane As Crew Races To Capture  130 Escapees

Furry Fugitives Ground Plane As Crew Races To Capture 130 Escapees

Influencer Under Fire For Taking Baby Wombat From Its Mother In Australia

Influencer Under Fire For Taking Baby Wombat From Its Mother In Australia

Categories

Funny Animals Interesting Freaky Pop Culture

Business

About Us Advertise Contact Us

Legal

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy DMCA Removal
 Logo
About Us Privacy DMCA Removal Contact Us Terms Funny Animals Interesting Freaky Pop Culture

© 2025 - All Rights Reserved

 logo

Sign In to

facebook icon Sign in with facebook
facebook icon Sign in with google

Or sign in with email

Need an account? Sign Up

Forgot Password?

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service

 logo

Sign Up to

Already have an account? Sign In

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service

Edit profile

User Photo