Orphaned coyote pup looking for friends is found sneaking into California dog kennel

A coyote pup that had lost its family sneaked into a dog kennel seeking kinship in California, and the homeowner responded by doing everything right, officials said.

Rather than trap, shoot, or poison the young predator — which are “beneficial” to healthy ecosystems — they called a local wildlife rescue group.

“Coyotes are beneficial predators and we can coexist with them,” officials with Tri County Wildlife Care in Jackson said in a June 6 Facebook post. “... This baby will be placed at another great rescue with other coyote pups to grow up wild and free.”

A veterinarian examined the pup, vaccinated and dewormed it, and treated it for fleas and ticks, officials said.

Coyotes have a positive effect on ecosystems by acting as pest control and maintaining biodiversity — they mostly eat small rodents, but they’ll also eat frogs, birds, insects, rabbits, hares, moles, voles, fruit, berries and grasses, officials said.

“The challenge is keeping our pets and livestock safe from them,” officials said.

Livestock owners can do that by using guardian dogs and donkeys that will protect herds, securing livestock mothers and their babies at night and securely housing chickens.

“The reality is if [coyotes] are killed, their response is to breed and if the top coyote is removed from a territory, another will move in to take over,” officials said. “We need a diversity in wildlife to have a healthy ecosystem. Thanks to the kindness of this dog owner, this pup is getting a second chance at life.”

“Best rodent control ever!” someone commented. “Such a cutie!”

“Aww he was scared and lonely so glad they didn’t just set him free,” someone said.

Someone wondered what the dogs thought of the abandoned pup.

“They seemed to stay away,” officials said. “He was thin, hungry, tired and looking for a safe place.”

People also praised the homeowner’s responsible reaction to the surprise guest.

“Thanks to the dog owner. They realize that people need to be responsible for their livestock, and put them in at dusk,” someone said. “Be it at a barn, stable, or shed. Otherwise they are irresponsibly ringing the dinner bell to all wildlife.”

“Thank You for this post! We can coexist,” someone else said. “I have never had a problem with one. Grateful this 1 landed at the right house.”

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