Southern Massachusetts family gets surprise when they take home what they thought was a dog

A local family got a surprise recently when they took home what they believed to be a small dog.

According to the New England Wildlife Center, this Eastern Coyote pup was separated from his family last week and was found wandering and distressed by the side of a busy road. He was then accidentally taken home by a local family after they mistakenly identified him as a lost puppy.

After realizing their mix up they called the New England Wildlife Center for assistance. With the help of the Mass Department of Public Health, they were able to determine there was no potential exposure risk to rabies, and were able to clear him for care and granted permission to rehab by Mass Wildlife.

He is now recovering comfortably in one of the isolation wards, but will not be on his own for long. A foster sibling has just arrived from Rhode Island Wildlife Rehab and they will soon be introduced.

NEWC says that once both pups receive their vaccinations, they will be raised together and will be given a chance to grow and learn natural behaviors in their large outdoor caging.

“We work hard to give them as much of a natural upbringing as possible, and will work to replicate the essential behaviors and skills they learn from mom and dad.”

Thankfully, this case had a happy ending, but as NEWC pointed out, it could have easily gone differently.

“Coyotes are considered a Rabies vector species in MA and are susceptible to contracting the virus that is deadly to all mammals including people. If the finders had been bitten, scratched, or had extended contact we would have been mandated to euthanize the pup and test for rabies.”

This is a cautionary tale for those who want to help.

“We are grateful to every single person who takes time out of their day to help wildlife when they are in need, but we always encourage people to call the appropriate resources prior to intervening, it can help Keep all involved safe!”