“This coyote pup’s time was running out.”
Earlier this week, volunteers with WILD Florida Rescue (WFR) received an emergency call from a concerned passerby who had spotted a young coyote in serious trouble.
The frightened pup was wandering near a wooded area with a plastic container completely covering her head, leaving her unable to see properly and making it increasingly difficult to breathe.
Realizing the animal’s life was in immediate danger, the caller contacted the rescue organization for help.
“These emergency calls are an important reason why WFR exists,” WILD Florida Rescue wrote. “This coyote pup’s time was running out. That was very clear, and if she got back into the woods, she most likely would have perished there.”
Racing Against the Clock
Rescuers responded as quickly as possible, knowing they had only a small window of opportunity.
By the time they arrived, the young coyote was already moving toward a densely wooded area. Had she disappeared into the trees, finding her again would have been extremely difficult.
The team acted fast, carefully capturing the frightened animal with a rescue net before she could escape.
A Dangerous Plastic Trap
Once the coyote was safely restrained, rescuers immediately focused on removing the object trapping her head.
The culprit turned out to be an empty plastic laundry detergent container that had become tightly wedged around her head.
Before attempting to remove it, the team carefully cut a small opening in the plastic to improve airflow while working to loosen the container without causing further injury.
Their quick actions likely prevented the situation from becoming fatal.
A Medical Check Reveals Good News
Although the coyote was finally free, rescuers wanted to make sure she hadn’t suffered hidden injuries or severe dehydration.
She was transported to WILD Florida Rescue President and licensed wildlife rehabilitator Dale Craig, where Dr. Donna Craig performed a full examination.
Fortunately, the young animal had escaped with only minor health concerns.
“The pup was dehydrated but very healthy,” WFR shared. “It was determined that the pup hadn’t been in there that many days, but because of the lack of oxygen, it became a dangerous situation quickly.”
Back Where She Belongs
After receiving fluids and the care she needed, the coyote was ready to return home.
Rescuers released her back into the same wooded area, where she was expected to reunite with her mother.
“[The coyote] was given the necessary care and the poor girl was returned right back to the woods to meet her mum!” WFR wrote. “We adore her but certainly hope that’s the last any of us see of her!”
For wildlife rehabilitators, not seeing an animal again is often the greatest success—they want healthy wild animals to remain exactly where they belong.
A Reminder About Plastic Waste
The rescue also serves as an important reminder of the dangers discarded plastic containers can pose to wildlife.
Animals exploring for food can easily become trapped inside bottles, jugs, and other containers, turning everyday trash into life-threatening hazards.
Properly recycling containers or cutting them open before disposal can help prevent similar incidents from happening.
One Phone Call Saved a Life
WILD Florida Rescue credits everyone involved—from the rescuers who rushed to the scene to the Good Samaritan who noticed the struggling coyote and chose to act instead of walking away.
Without that timely phone call, the young animal may never have survived.
“Coyotes’ lives matter too,” WFR wrote. “And if you have ever looked into a pup’s eyes, you know just how hard it is not to love them!”
Thanks to quick thinking, teamwork, and compassionate rescuers, one young coyote was given the chance to return safely to the wild where she belongs.