Coyote With Disturbing Facial Swelling Captured In LA, Now Under Treatment

LOS ANGELES, CA — Wendy, the coyote whose severely swollen face has drawn concern from Studio City residents for more than a year, has been captured and is receiving treatment as wildlife rescuers work to determine what caused her condition.

Wildlife Care of Southern California announced Monday that Wendy had been captured after weeks of tracking her movements with help from residents and other rescue groups.

By Tuesday, the Simi Valley-based organization said it had received new information that could point away from a tumor and toward an injury suffered when Wendy was apparently struck by a car about a year ago.

A Studio City resident told rescuers that Wendy was seen stumbling after being hit by a vehicle and appeared to have suffered an impact to her face, according to the organization

Photos taken in September 2025 showed significant swelling developing over a relatively short period, leading rescuers to believe Wendy may have suffered a fractured jaw or broken molar that became infected and has continued draining.

A veterinarian will need to examine Wendy before the cause can be confirmed, the organization said.

Rescuers said Tuesday they were encouraged by the new information and hopeful that Wendy's condition is not caused by a tumor.

In the meantime, Wendy has received antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication and pain medication and has been treated for fleas and internal parasites, according to the organization.

"She slept very comfortably last night," Wildlife Care of Southern California said Tuesday. "It's comforting for us to know she isn't wandering the streets trying to survive. We are hopeful."

The organization began tracking Wendy online July 14, relying on Studio City residents to report sightings, dates and times. By Aug. 7, rescuers had gathered enough information to begin monitoring two locations with help from homeowners.

Wendy traveled along a roughly 2.5-mile route through the San Fernando Valley neighborhood in search of water and food, but her movements were inconsistent, making the effort more difficult, rescuers said.

Wildlife Care of Southern California credited Southern California Pit Bull Rescue, Urban Rescue and Studio City residents with helping capture Wendy.

After her capture, rescuers continued feeding her some of the softer foods residents had apparently been giving her, including canned cat food and cut-up hot dogs, while adding ground chicken, liver and other foods to improve her diet.

She appeared comfortable Monday night after receiving antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, the organization said.

City News Service contributed to this report.