Coyote With Mange
This adult male coyote was rescued after being found inactive, severely emaciated, and suffering from advanced mange. At first glance, animals like this are often assumed to be starving because they cannot find food, but the real story is more complex.
Mange is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, leading to intense itching, inflammation, hair loss, and open sores. Fighting this kind of infection takes an enormous toll on the body. Without a healthy coat for insulation and with the immune system working overtime, a coyote can burn through calories quickly trying to stay warm and fight infection. If left untreated, severe mange can also lead to secondary bacterial infections and death.
Once at Tucson Wildlife Center, our animal care team started this coyote on medical treatment for mange, along with antibiotics for secondary infection, and a carefully managed nutritional plan to help him regain weight safely while his skin heals and his coat regrows. Recovery from severe mange takes time, but we are hopeful that with continued treatment and rest, he will be strong enough to return to the wild.
A historical note: in the early 1900s, some predator control programs in parts of North America intentionally introduced mange among wild canids to reduce wolf and coyote populations—a practice now recognized as harmful and misguided. Today, wildlife management focuses on protecting ecosystem balance while treating sick or injured wild animals when possible. If you would like to help patients like this coyote, click this link to donate,
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