Injured coyote gives birth at Muskoka wildlife sanctuary, pups reach new milestone

Coyote pups eating on their own at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau, Ont. (Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary)

When an injured coyote arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Muskoka, Ont., staff quickly realized her recovery would involve more than just mending a broken leg.

The team at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary says the female coyote was transferred from Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge in April after suffering a leg injury.

After undergoing surgery, she continued her recovery in their care and later gave birth to a litter of five pups.

“In spite of the trauma she had been through, the surgery, the medications and the stress of captive care, this mom hung in there,” Shades of Hope shared online. “There were no babies evident when she was admitted and assessed, so she must have become pregnant shortly before her accident.”

On Monday, Aspen valley staff said the pups reached an important milestone and have started eating food on their own.

“While they’ll continue nursing from mom for many more weeks as they grow and develop, this is an important step forward in their journey,” the Aspen Valley team said in a social media update.

Staff say watching the pups gain independence has been a rewarding experience.

“Watching these little ones become more independent while remaining close to mom has been incredibly special,” they added.

Located on Crawford Street in Rosseau, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured and orphaned animals.