Officer Rescues Ailing Coyote Pup in Somerset

A sick coyote pup was rescued early Friday morning in Basking Ridge by Animal Control Officer Bill Machado, who responded to a call from a local resident about wildlife in her backyard.

The young coyote emerged from under bushes at the residence, exhibiting clear signs of illness, and was quickly secured by the officer despite challenging weather conditions.

Swift Response Saves Wildlife

“To my amazement, she was right! By the time I arrived, it was late, raining, getting dark, and they were nowhere to be found,” Machado said about the resident’s report of coyotes, according to Patch. He was about to leave when “a very cute, but very sick pup emerged from under one of the bushes.”

Machado successfully captured the pup within minutes and transported it to The Last Resort Rescue, a local animal welfare organization, for medical attention and care.

Family Unit Remains Under Observation

The officer reported seeing one older sibling that appeared to be in good health, but was informed there could be four pups in total. “I will try to make my way back today and see if I can assess the others,” Machado told local media.

Residents in the area are encouraged to report wildlife sightings to animal control, especially when animals appear sick or injured, while maintaining a safe distance.

Learning From Wildlife Encounters

The rescue experience inspired Machado to learn more about coyotes, which he described as “remarkably family-oriented and social creatures” whose lives “mirror ours in so many ways, from forming lifelong bonds to raising their young.”

Wildlife experts recommend that residents secure trash cans, avoid leaving pet food outside, and keep small pets supervised when outdoors in areas where coyote sightings have been reported.

Community Wildlife Education

Township officials remind residents that coyotes are native wildlife that typically avoid human contact. Understanding their behavior can help communities coexist safely with these animals.

“By learning more about these incredible animals, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of coexisting peacefully among them,” Machado noted after the rescue.