The CBC reported that Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre in Saskatchewan had taken in the pup, who was seemingly injured after being struck by a vehicle. Treated for his injuries and given a flea bath, the coyote is on the mend – but his behaviour raised some eyebrows.
The rehabbers believe someone may have tried to raise the pup, as he seemed “too tame” around his rescuers.
Often in the cases of “habituation” or increased proximity tolerance with animals like coyotes, a quick death is prescribed by standard operating procedures. But Salthaven decided that wasn’t acceptable, and went a different route.
Another rehabilitation centre, Mountain R n R Rehabilitation, has a coyote pup of a similar age in the process of being healed. The working theory is that the Salthaven pup will learn how to be a wild coyote from his new friend, so that both can be successfully and safely released when they are of an appropriate age.
Any wild animal who is taught that humans are an acceptable place to receive food can ultimately become embroiled in a conflict situation – and more often than not, the solution to conflict is death. You can help prevent this from happening in your municipality by ensuring that there is a wildlife feeding by-law in place, that neighbours aren’t directly or indirectly feeding wildlife, and by providing education (we’re developing NEW posters, pamphlets and more) to your community.
Photo provided by Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre
Work like our growing Living With Wildlife campaign is only possible with the support of monthly donors. Please consider become a monthly donor – for as little as $5 a month – and help us create a Canada that is truly humane.
