Sick Coyote Pup Rescued In Somerset County

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A sick coyote pup was rescued in Basking Ridge early Friday morning.

Animal Control Officer Bill Machado got a call from a Township resident on Friday who claimed she had a family of coyotes living in her backyard.

"To my amazement, she was right! By the time I arrived, it was late, raining, getting dark, and they were nowhere to be found," said Machado.

As he was about to leave, "a very cute, but very sick pup emerged from under one of the bushes."

Machado was able to capture the pup within minutes and took him to The Last Resort Rescue to care for him.

Machado told Patch he only saw one older sibling who appeared to be in good health.

"I was told there are four. I will try to make my way back today and see if I can assess the others," said Machado.

The experience inspired Machado to explore the world of coyotes, which he said are remarkably family-oriented and social creatures.

"Their lives mirror ours in so many ways, from forming lifelong bonds to raising their young and interacting with each other in complex ways," said Machado. "By learning more about these incredible animals, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of coexisting peacefully among them."

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