Pregnant coyote found stuck in fence, recovering at wildlife sanctuary

A coyote has been rescued by Procyon Wildlife after getting stuck in a wire fence in Beeton, Ont. (Procyon Wildlife/Facebook)

A pregnant coyote is recovering at a wildlife sanctuary after getting caught in a fence last week and unable to get out.

When the property owner noticed the animal dangling from their wire fence, that’s when they called Procyon Wildlife in Beeton for help.

The incident just so happened to be near the sanctuary, so staff could get to the scene quickly.

Staff were able to free her from the fence but parts of the wire were still stuck in her leg.

To cut out the pieces entirely, they transported the coyote, who has been lovingly named Juniper, to a veterinarian where the procedure was done under sedation. That’s when X-rays showed she was pregnant.

While the sanctuary said it would like to release Juniper into the wild, it wants to keep her for a little while longer to make sure the leg heals and to ensure no signs of necrosis, the death of body tissue. Luckily, she did not have any fractures.

If Juniper needs to give birth some time soon, the sanctuary said it will be ready.

“If she has to have her pups with us, we will make sure her environment is as calm and stress free as we can make it,” Procyon Wildlife said in a Facebook post. “We want to ensure she can mother her pups with as little human interference as possible.”

Rebecca Dmytryk, director of Wildlife Emergency Services in California with more than 40 years experience of wildlife rescue and decades in coyote intervention, said while the decision to keep Juniper in the sanctuary’s care is well-intentioned, she told CTV News it would be in the coyote’s best interest to set her free.

Dmytryk explained the fact that she’s pregnant changes everything. Coyotes are monogamous, therefore, her lifelong mate is actively looking for her, which could force him to exit his territory putting him in danger.

“She stands to lose everything,” said Dmytryk.

She said if the coyote can even put slight weight onto her leg, the sanctuary should send her on her way and allow for her mate to care for her.

Staff stressed the need for the community’s help as caring for a family of coyotes is costly and quite the experience to take on.

The sanctuary is encouraging people to donate by using the email address [e-mail] and putting JUNIPER in the subject line.

It also is looking for volunteers for the spring season. Staff will provide training and they ask for people to commit to five hours each week.

For those interested, email [e-mail].