Found a coyote, I think

[MistyBlue]

775-538-7093
That's a safe haven rescue spot for local wildlife. Lots of the residents there are former exotic or wildlife pets. It's a zoo, but once domesticated to a certain degree most canids will not acclimate fully to wild living. Biggest issue being unsocialization to others of it's own kind.

I've done wildlife rescue/rehab for ages. All carnivores. She's a lovely little girl. They're a lot of fun and smart as heck, aren;t they?

However at some point she's going to hit full maturity and she won't be the pet you've gotten used to. She'll be a lot more unpredictable. She also won't be really content.

 

[Raspy]

Ridgewalker,

Exactly.


MistyBlue,

I have already been in touch with Safe Haven and they won't take her. We had made arrangements with them, were already to go a few weeks ago and then they changed their minds. They were willing to take "one more" and someone beat us there. Animal Ark near Reno is another one. They would take her if we donated $10,000. to build an environment for her. Can't do it.

We would love to get help rehabilitating her to the wild, but so far have gotten nowhere. We would also love to see her in a setting where she could be visited by us and by others and be safe, like a rescue zoo, but we can't get that going either.

We are doing our best to teach her to hunt and expect her to begin maturing and changing her attitude pretty soon.

If you have any other suggestions, I'd like to hear them.

Thank you for the number you sent.

 

[dusty74]

John you are doing the right thing let her be free to come and go as she please. As I have already stated she will mature and be gone more than she is there she will also pick a mate and start a family. That is good and you have allowed her the chance to do that.......So you and your wife has done good.......and you guys also know that the time will come where she may not come back because but always thinkit is because she has hewr own family now.

But I would not be surprised if came for a visit from time to time.

 

[dusty74]

I do understand your concerns...... I am not saying you cannot tame a willd animal but it is not easy and I am not sure it is really ever done. I am sorry to hear Sandy is causing you a little concern but I do understand.

Hopefully in time you can take her for a one way ride and let her go and drive away. I just wish there was a solid way for you to know she ready to be on her own. I guess her area in and around your place would really not be a good thing. Because if another coyote (not Sandy) got one of your neighbors cats they may still blame Sandy. Taking Sandy for a one way ride is going to be hard I am glad I do not have to make that choose.

 

[RobertBrown]

She's got that "GO AHEAD, MAKE MY DAY" look in her eye. I get the feeling she thinks she is the boss.....and that is her rabbit.

Perhaps you should at least start feeding her well away from the house, the neighbors and thier pets. :confused3:
It will be interestng to see what happens next, please keep us posted and thanks again for the thread.


hope it all works out .

 

[Raspy]

Dean,

Your idea is one of the two we are currently working on. There is a place about 5 miles from here that has thick brush, lots of green leaves and berries, an all year creek and lots of wildlife. It's rocky and perfect for finding a den. Our biggest concern, besides her not being able to hunt yet, is that it's also mountain lion country. We are working on the hunting issue, but she is still so young and not as fast or motivated as she could be.

The other is a desert setting with a guy that loves animals. He feeds burros and coyotes to help them as needed and he befriends them to a certain degree. Young burros will come right up and lean against him while older ones will try to get things out of his back pocket as he walks. There is plenty of water there and it's a long way from ranches or houses. Sandy could go there now and be fine, but my wife wants the first option. I want the desert option.

Rabbits are a great food source, Sandy likes them, but hard to catch. I think voles, lizards and squirrels are a more realistic food source for her, along with berries and leaves. Quail seems like another good item, but she hasn't shown much interest in them yet.

Yesterday Sandy and I took off on a hunt. I had my 10-22 and we went to see what we could find. Walking out across the open land in the pinion forest, she was sniffing around, scratching and digging. Chased a few rabbits out of range and investigated groups of quail. She found a few little things that interested her and even buried one for later. Always staying within about 50-100 feet of me as she did her own work. Falling behind and catching up, flanking me, investigating as I waited. It was interesting to see her be a pack member with a common goal. We went a long way and she was always close by. Observant, quiet, pouncing on suspected rodent mounds, scratching in twig piles. I even had the chance to get around where I could send rabbits or quail back toward her. But no luck as they were already spooked.

Of course, as she becomes a more capable hunter, matures and is hungry, she becomes increasingly dangerous to our other animals.

 

[Depmandog]

Dean,

Your idea is one of the two we are currently working on. There is a place about 5 miles from here that has thick brush, lots of green leaves and berries, an all year creek and lots of wildlife. It's rocky and perfect for finding a den. Our biggest concern, besides her not being able to hunt yet, is that it's also mountain lion country. We are working on the hunting issue, but she is still so young and not as fast or motivated as she could be.

The other is a desert setting with a guy that loves animals. He feeds burros and coyotes to help them as needed and he befriends them to a certain degree. Young burros will come right up and lean against him while older ones will try to get things out of his back pocket as he walks. There is plenty of water there and it's a long way from ranches or houses. Sandy could go there now and be fine, but my wife wants the first option. I want the desert option.

Rabbits are a great food source, Sandy likes them, but hard to catch. I think voles, lizards and squirrels are a more realistic food source for her, along with berries and leaves. Quail seems like another good item, but she hasn't shown much interest in them yet.

Yesterday Sandy and I took off on a hunt. I had my 10-22 and we went to see what we could find. Walking out across the open land in the pinion forest, she was sniffing around, scratching and digging. Chased a few rabbits out of range and investigated groups of quail. She found a few little things that interested her and even buried one for later. Always staying within about 50-100 feet of me as she did her own work. Falling behind and catching up, flanking me, investigating as I waited. It was interesting to see her be a pack member with a common goal. We went a long way and she was always close by. Observant, quiet, pouncing on suspected rodent mounds, scratching in twig piles. I even had the chance to get around where I could send rabbits or quail back toward her. But no luck as they were already spooked.

Of course, as she becomes a more capable hunter, matures and is hungry, she becomes increasingly dangerous to our other animals.

After a bit of research on the desert coyote, it seems carrion and rodents make up a large part of their diet, along with insects, fruit, amphibians, birds, eggs, rabbits and reptiles...and pretty much whatever they can find. One article suggested a solitary coyote tends to eat the above while a mated pair or pack is needed for larger meals of deer / antelope fawn, or farm domesticated animals.

So perhaps you need to start picking up road kill and "hide" it on your property for Sandy to find. Also lay some logs or boards out for insects, etc to hide so you can show her how to find the bug jackpot.

I sure have enjoyed this thread. Sandy is a pretty animal.

 

[RandyBell]

"The other is a desert setting with a guy that loves animals. He feeds burros and coyotes to help them as needed and he befriends them to a certain degree. Young burros will come right up and lean against him while older ones will try to get things out of his back pocket as he walks. There is plenty of water there and it's a long way from ranches or houses. Sandy could go there now and be fine, but my wife wants the first option. I want the desert option."
John I think this would be the best for Sandy in the long run, and even that will be hard to leave her at this point. With close neighbors with pets and her getting more aggressive with yours even at play, you might end up with making a decision that you don't want to have to make.
She may still be young to catch rabbits, and may be eating bug and lizards to hone her skills
It is going to be a tough call and we all sure hopes she makes it to be able to survive on her own, she is definitely a beautiful animal.

Good luck
Randy

 

[s219]

Yeah, she sure is beautiful, and still growing like a weed. Really neat to see -- thanks for sharing.

 

[Raspy]

Just a quick update on Sandy.

We haven't made the move yet.

She has begun to want to be up high. Here is a picture of her on top of the wood pile and she also has started climbing up on my quad. She stands on the front rack and surveys the situation. Or she climbs up onto someone sitting in a chair or stooping down and gets up on their shoulders. It startles the unsuspecting visitor, but breaks the ice nicely.

We have been bringing her road kill as Depmandog suggested. She loves bunnies and will tolerate a squirrel. She works on them till her stomach is bulging and then either buries the rest for later or just leaves it in her yard. Then she brings it onto our front porch the next day for another meal. This morning she carried her rabbit up onto my quad as a place to have a snack and I had to chase her off.

Meanwhile we go on walks together and she tracks along taking her own route, but never far away.

We spotted a dear getting acquainted with her the other day. Standing by her den and watching her, then later just looking at each other. The dear was obviously not scared of Sandy and hung around for quite a while just interested.

Neighbors have been stopping by for a farewell visit and shaking their heads as to why we have to get rid of her. We talk as she sits in one of their laps or chews a shoelace. Bei Bei and her have a discussion about the latest round of bones we handed out. Sandy decides to play keep away with a rag or a dog treat and watches for my moves to get it. Gloves and rubber bungie cords have a habit of disappearing, then turning up later. She is always looking to start the game, with a playful gleam in her eye, and makes contented little gurgles as she issues a wolf kiss or we scratch her exposed belly.

I'm still looking for a way to keep her and know this place will be empty after she is gone. I already miss her. She just goes along, day to day, having fun and being completely oblivious to the turmoil surrounding her. Inventing new games and giving joyous greetings.

 

[RandyBell]

Hi John she is still growing and still beautiful! My male wolf Weasel loves to be high atop anything he can climb up too, I think it is for a better vantage point.I am guessing that she is catching rabbits now? Great pictures, exspecially the mule deer with her..

Randy

 

[Raspy]

We just returned from our trip to check out a new home for Sandy. It's a place I've been to many times and it holds a special place in my heart. Desert. Mysterious. Quiet. Lots of water and animals. Satellites silently move across the black sky as the Milky Way makes a stripe from horizon to horizon.

As we arrived in the afternoon it was windy and hot. A long dusty road vibrated our poor truck. The road crossed many washes and skirted alluvial fans. Sections washed out by flash floods and covered with boulders had been bulldozed clear. Mining relics sat deteriorating in the penetrating sun. As we got closer to water, wind hissed in the trees. Palms swayed. A few coyotes were patrolling the area and a half dozen burros came over to check on us. Ten feet away, they were both comical and hungry. Just wary enough to be well mannered. I shooed them away to make room for our camp. We looked for some shade. Where's my hat?

All our dogs were there and we kept them leashed. Sandy too. A gang of hungry coyotes might not be as welcoming as we'd like. A lizard sped by.

By the next day it became apparent this was not the place for her. To sparse. Too much competition for resources. No one to help her get a foot hold. Lot's of glorious warm flowing water, but too little else.

That night we had Sandy on a leash and close. She was upset and could not settle, so Liye moved closer and touched her for reassurance. With a companion next to her, Sandy could calm down and sleep a bit. Her trust in Liye was enough to overcome the fear of the hissing trees, the strange new place and the coyotes she had seen earlier. As the light returned I got up and made some coffee. It seems a burro had come by and wandered off with a couple of things. The dogs would not be calm and dearly wanted to be untied.

So we soaked in the hot springs and bid our farewell. Headed for home knowing we had made the right choice. Now we look at the next alternative and have a chance to enjoy more time with this sincere little family member. Once back she joyously played and ran circles around the house. Retrieved a lost glove to chew. Chased a cottontail out into the brush. Searched my hand for a treat and was free of the leash.

Once again we were reminded of what a great traveller she is. In the cab of the pickup she sleeps happily and gets organized with Bei Bei for the slim available space. Hours slip by as she stretches out and dreams. Cute. A regular domestic dog in every way. No matter where she is, she wants to be with her pack members. We sat outside this evening and watched it get dark as the dogs played. She seems happiest of all with everyone at home and slips right back into all the little things she loves to do here.

It may not seem like it at times, but we actually do have a busy life and lots to do. I have a business and am building our new house. I go riding in the mountains and friends are always stopping by. But this dog has become a big part of what we do. She is just so interesting and fun and trusting that we can't resist her.

 

[Depmandog]

We just returned from our trip to check out a new home for Sandy. It's a place I've been to many times and it holds a special place in my heart. Desert. Mysterious. Quiet. Lots of water and animals. Satellites silently move across the black sky as the Milky Way makes a stripe from horizon to horizon.

As we arrived in the afternoon it was windy and hot. A long dusty road vibrated our poor truck. The road crossed many washes and skirted alluvial fans. Sections washed out by flash floods and covered with boulders had been bulldozed clear. Mining relics sat deteriorating in the penetrating sun. As we got closer to water, wind hissed in the trees. Palms swayed. A few coyotes were patrolling the area and a half dozen burros came over to check on us. Ten feet away, they were both comical and hungry. Just wary enough to be well mannered. I shooed them away to make room for our camp. We looked for some shade. Where's my hat?

All our dogs were there and we kept them leashed. Sandy too. A gang of hungry coyotes might not be as welcoming as we'd like. A lizard sped by.

By the next day it became apparent this was not the place for her. To sparse. Too much competition for resources. No one to help her get a foot hold. Lot's of glorious warm flowing water, but too little else.

That night we had Sandy on a leash and close. She was upset and could not settle, so Liye moved closer and touched her for reassurance. With a companion next to her, Sandy could calm down and sleep a bit. Her trust in Liye was enough to overcome the fear of the hissing trees, the strange new place and the coyotes she had seen earlier. As the light returned I got up and made some coffee. It seems a burro had come by and wandered off with a couple of things. The dogs would not be calm and dearly wanted to be untied.

So we soaked in the hot springs and bid our farewell. Headed for home knowing we had made the right choice. Now we look at the next alternative and have a chance to enjoy more time with this sincere little family member. Once back she joyously played and ran circles around the house. Retrieved a lost glove to chew. Chased a cottontail out into the brush. Searched my hand for a treat and was free of the leash.

Once again we were reminded of what a great traveller she is. In the cab of the pickup she sleeps happily and gets organized with Bei Bei for the slim available space. Hours slip by as she stretches out and dreams. Cute. A regular domestic dog in every way. No matter where she is, she wants to be with her pack members. We sat outside this evening and watched it get dark as the dogs played. She seems happiest of all with everyone at home and slips right back into all the little things she loves to do here.

It may not seem like it at times, but we actually do have a busy life and lots to do. I have a business and am building our new house. I go riding in the mountains and friends are always stopping by. But this dog has become a big part of what we do. She is just so interesting and fun and trusting that we can't resist her.

John,

You have an excellent knack for penning prose as your words seem to jump off the pages into a vivid color filled moving picture. I am truly impressed and anxiously await the next story on our favorite little friend Sandy.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

John,

You have an excellent knack for penning prose as your words seem to jump off the pages into a vivid color filled moving picture. I am truly impressed and anxiously await the next story on our favorite little friend Sandy.

Long time lurker here...

Please consider taking all of these posts and making it into a book with pictures...

Good stuff.

All the best to you, yours and Sandy...

David

 

[Raspy]

Thanks for your kind responses. It's fun sharing this fascinating story and there is definitely more to come.

During our travels it's fun to meet people and introduce Sandy to them. One family we met had their 6 year old son with them. He turned to his mother and said "that's a coyote, not a dog". We let her out to tool around unleashed in the desert for a while. She patrolled around and stayed fairly close, then came back when it was time to leave. I helped her back in and off we went.

Here are a few more pix of the last few days:

 

[Raspy]

More pictures.