We contacted the local animal services (AS) crew right away and they sped to the aid of this poor coyote. Once there, AS was able to cut the animal free and then transport him directly to us.

Upon intake we couldn't help but cringe at the sight of the injury! We all feared the worse -- he could lose the leg!

As everyone was huddled over the coyote helping with his care, Dr. Hazel quietly said "there's a pulse in the paw". Then after a couple more seconds, "and there's blood flow". Everyone in the room let out a collective sigh of relief. He may be able to keep the leg after all.

It's only been a couple of days, and the leg looks like it's recovering well, but he's not out of the woods just yet. It will take at least a week to determine if the vessels carrying blood to the paw will heal.

If the worst case happens, and necrosis does set in, (despite all our best efforts) this coyote WILL still have a chance at life back in the wild. Canids (dogs, foxes, wolves and coyotes) can all adapt to life on three legs. To them, it's just a minor adjustment in how they do things, and 98% of them not only survive, but thrive!

We'll keep you updated through this newsletter on this courageous coyotes progress.

Did you know that 75% of our 80,000 wildlife-related calls pour in during the spring and summer? Concerned citizens like you see babies in distress and want to help! But more times than not, they actually don't need our help!

To tackle some of these common questions, we recently caught up with Virginia Marshall, our Intake Director, to get her insights on how we can educate ourselves (and others) and avoid unnecessary rescues.

This three-part series covers the most common animals we’re contacted about: squirrels, cottontails, and songbirds. Each article will share frequently asked questions and our recommended actions. AND, if you’re ever uncertain, please call us.

Q: I found a baby squirrel without its mother… what should I do??

A: When most people spot a baby squirrel all on its own, they automatically assume it is orphaned. 

One of the first things we ask our callers to do is to try to re-unite the baby with its mother by playing a squirrel distress call.

We ask that finders put the baby squirrel in a shallow box with soft bedding and a heat source*. Then place their cell phone close to where the baby is and play the distress call (this will play for approx. 20 minutes, on a loop) – if mom hears the call, she will most likely come to the rescue.

If the baby is found late in the day, do not keep the baby outside overnight. Bring the baby in at dusk and try the call again in the morning.

Q: Should we give the baby something to drink? 

A: NO. This includes water, milk of any kind, or any liquid for that matter. Finders often want to help, and think hydrating the animal is the best way to assist. Unfortunately, if finders feed the babies, they come in with liquid in their lungs. Depending on the severity of the aspiration, that baby may die.  

Q: Why is the squirrel following me? 

A: We call these wee-one’s pant-tuggers. Their eyes are open, they have downy fur and they will approach people. These babies ARE orphaned and need your help. 

Get the baby contained. We suggest putting a slice of apple in with the squirrel as this will provide both nutrition and hydration (do not try to force feed food or liquids). We also ask finders to place the baby in a box with a heat source* and soft bedding.  

Q: My cat brought me a baby squirrel, is it fine to put it back? 

A: No! All babies that have been in a cats mouth need to be assessed. The saliva from a cats mouth is toxic and sometimes you cannot see the injuries/puncture wounds. The baby will need to be put on antibiotics right away.

Q: Can I keep the baby as a pet? 

A: It is illegal to keep any wildlife as a pet. There is a $5,000 fine for keeping wildlife captive in Ontario.  

*NOTE: HEAT SOURCE OPTIONS

• Fill an old sock with rice, tie a knot the at the top and microwave until warm. 
• Fill an empty water bottle with warm water. Be sure to secure the bottle in the box as if the bottle rolls, it could harm the baby.

All heat sources need to be wrapped with soft towel. Do not place any animal directly on your heat source.

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WILD ONES CURRENTLY IN OUR CARE