Under a cloudy sky, in the middle of the rain, Tory Chang drives through a rural area.
A small lost creature, obviously stuck in the mud and shaken by the cold, attracts her attention.
Chang immediately takes the helpless creature into her car. At first glance, it looks like a young fox and contact is quickly made with the wildlife rescue centre „For Fox Sake“.
The case seems clear-cut, but the little animal is full of surprises.
Arrival at the rescue centre
After receiving a blurred and dark photo of the strange animal, the team at the rescue centre is at a loss.
„The facial features, paws and tail are more like those of a coyote, while the markings are strongly reminiscent of a red fox,“
writes the station on its Facebook page. In the hope of being able to clearly identify the animal (which is later named Yoti), they eagerly await Chang’s arrival.
After a journey lasting several hours, Chang arrives at the rescue centre with the enigmatic Yoti, but the confusion becomes even greater. The new arrival looks more like a puppy than a wild animal, which makes DNA analysis necessary.
Yoti is taken to a foster family for the time being, as the wildlife centre is not equipped to care for puppies. Everyone is excited to see what surprises Yoti has in store.
The truth is unclear
As Yoti grows up, doubts about her true identity grow. The wildlife centre writes:
„Yoti, the brindle and white mystery welpin, is developing splendidly while we await the results of her DNA analysis.“
Over time, it becomes apparent that Yoti is exhibiting increasingly wild behaviour, making home care more difficult.
Eventually, Yoti returns to the „For Fox Sake“ centre. It is now suspected that she is a cross between a coyote and a domestic dog, based on her temperament, the shape of her paw pads and the sounds she makes. But without a DNA test, everything remains speculation.
The truth comes as a surprise
The redemptive result of the DNA test finally reveals the secret. The wildlife rescue centre’s suspicions are confirmed: Yoti carries genetic markers that are unique to domestic dogs and have developed over the last four generations.
The Dodo reports what the centre found out:
„Coyote-house dog hybrids are rare or do not survive in the wild… But life… finds a way.“
The quote is reminiscent of Dr Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park and fits perfectly here. From now on, Yoti will be cared for at the wildlife rehabilitation centre „Walden’s Puddle“ together with another mystery puppy until she is ready to return to the wild.
Despite all the difficulties, everyone is happy that Yoti can now return to where she belongs.
