Some people have such a big heart that they want to help everything and everyone they think needs help.
But in some cases, human intervention is more harmful than useful. This is also the case here.
A foundling to take home
A family from Massachusetts in the USA found a young puppy on a walk.
As they couldn’t see any parents or siblings, they wondered whether they should take him with them.
After a joint consultation, they decided to offer the puppy, which seemed helpless to them, a home.
So they carefully took the little animal home with them and looked after him with loving care.
The puppy reveals its secret
When the supposed puppy had been with the family for a few days, they were skeptical as to whether it really was a puppy.
After some deliberation, they contacted the local animal welfare authorities.
The animal welfare officers immediately helped to identify the species.
The case quickly became clear to the animal welfare officers – it was not a small, helpless puppy.
Instead, the family had mistakenly picked up a small coyote and taken it home with them.
Unfortunately, mix-ups like this happen all the time. That’s why you should always consult an experienced animal welfare officer.
Back in the wild
The wild animal was presented to the health authorities by the animal welfare officers and immediately tested for rabies.
Fortunately, the little coyote was fit and healthy, so the health authorities were able to give the all-clear.
They were now able to consult with Mass Wildlife ’s animal welfare staff to see if the coyote could be accepted into the reintroduction program.
Mass Wildlife was immediately ready to help and take in the foundling.
The little fellow felt right at home at the wildlife station and was soon joined by a foster sister.
Now the orphans just need to be vaccinated. Then they will grow up together and learn their wild behavior.
If all goes well, they can eventually be released back into the wild.
