Coyote Rescue and Release
Watch the video to see this week’s Patient of the Week, a juvenile male coyote, go from hopelessly tangled in a soccer net to rescued and released back into the wild. After receiving a call that a coyote was trapped in the netting of a soccer goal, one of Tucson Wildlife Center’s rescue team members quickly arrived at the site. After safely sedating the coyote, he was able to cut the net away from the frame of the goal and transport the animal. Once at TWC, the remaining net was carefully removed from the animal’s body.
Because the net had tightly restricted the coyote’s airway, our veterinary team closely monitored him for a potentially life-threatening complication when something cutting off the airway is suddenly removed, causing fluid to build up in the lungs—making it hard to breathe. Fortunately, he showed no signs of this issue and made a full recovery.
Sports nets—including soccer, tennis, volleyball, and baseball batting cages—can pose serious dangers to wildlife. Animals caught in netting may suffer injuries such as cuts, broken bones, or damage to wings and limbs. They may also be unable to escape predators or seek shelter from extreme heat, cold, or storms, leading to death from environmental exposure. If trapped for long periods, they can become dangerously dehydrated or starve without access to water or food.
To reduce the risk of these incidents, it is advisable to remove or fold and secure nets when not in use, especially at night or during school breaks. If the soccer field or sporting court is enclosed within a fence, ensuring the gate remains closed and repairing any holes or gaps in the fencing can make the area safer for wildlife. Place signs on the fence to inform people about the importance of keeping the gate closed to protect wildlife. If you would like to help patients like this coyote, click this link to donate,
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We appreciate it, as will all the wild animals in our care!
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