Coyotes are known to be hard to catch. While this talent can come in handy during times of danger, other times, it could be putting the coyote in worse danger, such as this case.
A coyote was spotted at a golf course in Ottawa, Canada, where it had been hit by a car. On top of that, the coyote was suffering from a severe case of sarcoptic mange, which is a skin parasite that is often fatal.
The Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary set up traps for the coyote so they could capture him and tend to his injuries. However, the crafty coyote was escaping each trap, unknowingly delaying medical attention.
Finally, after three days of evading capture, the coyote was caught on November 21, 2016 – and just in time, too.
The coyote’s pelvis was broken, and the sarcoptic mange skin condition shed most of his fur, leaving him without a coat to keep him warm during the Canadian winter.
“He was in really rough shape when he first came to us,” said Sarah Beauregard, animal care coordinator at the sanctuary. “We didn’t think he would make it through the first night.”
Now, given that the coyote is a wild animal, you would think he would be hostile and resistant towards his human rescuers as any other wild animal would be.
But instead, this coyote couldn’t stop smiling at his rescuers.
“The thing that really gets me is his eyes,” Sarah said. “Even when he was at his worst, there was a brightness and hopefulness about them.”
Indeed, as days passed, the coyote’s smile seemed to be getting contagious. While being treated for mange and his horribly broken bones, he still maintained a cheery grin on his face.
“He is a sweetheart,” Amanda continued. “Coyotes are shy and timid by nature, but he seems to trust us and know that we are trying to help him. “
The sanctuary plans to shelter the coyote at the refuge until he has recovered enough to be returned to a safe place in the wild. Given his severe injuries, it will take time, and in the meantime, the coyote’s caretakers are doing their best not to be swayed by that charming smile.
“We are keeping human contact to an absolute minimum so that he does not grow attached to humans,” Amanda said.
I’m sure they’ll do their best, but with this sweet face, I wouldn’t blame them for giving in just a little bit.
After all, nothing brightens a day better than a warm smile.
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