Hikers Find Abandoned Puppy, Then Get HUGE Surprise
Americans are animal lovers, by and large, and stories of our unique relationship with these creatures has been well documented in the past.
As a nation of explorers and farmers, we have spent centuries in the presence of animals; from livestock to lapdogs, and venison to vermin. Of the myriad creatures that we interact with on a regular basis, nothing is more iconic than the dog. After all, this is an animal whose very existence stems from the influence of the human species on the wolf species some 10,000 years ago.
Dogs are no longer the wild creatures that their ancestors were, and, as such, hold a special place in our collective heart. That’s why a group of hikers in California couldn’t resist an opportunity to help a young pup with they found her abandoned on their walk.
Now, however, they have a whole different story to tell.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the man was walking his dog when he spotted what he thought was an abandoned puppy. The hiker picked the animal up and took it home, where he called the San Diego Humane Society.
Wildlife officers then went to the man’s home, where they examined the animal.
“Our Humane Officers recently received a call about an abandoned puppy in a canyon in Tierrasanta. To their surprise, the little creature was actually a coyote pup!” explained the San Diego Humane Society, in a Facebook post. “The officers took the adorable pup to Project Wildlife for care before being transferred to The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center.”
The tiny canid is now in good hands.
Rehabilitation is ongoing and, despite some challenges, wildlife experts are hopeful that this young coyote can be released back into the wild at an appropriate time.