Coyote Rescued From San Diego Flood Returned To Wild

SAN DIEGO, CA — A coyote rescued from the flooded Tijuana River Valley was returned to the wild.

During last Monday's historic storm, the San Diego Humane Society was called to the 2200 block of Dairy Mart Road to rescue a "dog" with a bucket stuck on its head. The animal was floating in a field of debris.

"Due to the difficult terrain, the only way to reach the animal was by boat, so San Diego lifeguards helped our humane officers reach the animal — who turned out to be coyote, not a dog," Humane Society spokesperson Nina Thompson said.

The coyote was rushed to the Bahde Wildlife Center for initial triage and care, where veterinarians administered a sedative and pain medication, then removed the bucket from his head, provided fluids and took X-rays, Thompson said.

"He was wet, suffering from mild hypothermia, had cactus spines stuck in his fur and wounds that needed care," she added.

After the first 24 hours, the coyote was transferred to the organization's Ramona Wildlife Center, where the Project Wildlife team rehabilitates apex predators. The juvenile coyote received continued care for his wounds and was monitored via cameras to ensure he was displaying healthy behaviors before returning to the wild.

The Project Wildlife team released the coyote Friday evening in a dry field, not far from where he was found.