NOTES FROM THE FIELD: Project Coyote Representative John Maguranis springs into action to save the lives of four coyote pups!
Written by John Maguranis, Project Coyote Massachusetts Representative, and retired Animal Control Officer, Belmont, MA
On August 9th, I was contacted by Trudianne Mola, an ACO in Shirley, Massachusetts who requested assistance in assessing three coyote pups suffering from mange to determine whether they could be provided care under Massachusetts wildlife laws.
The pups had been sighted daily near a storm drainage system. Officer Mola and I thought they were likely using the drainage system as a rendezvous site, which is the name for a location that coyote families use once pups have grown too big and active for a den. Just before my arrival, there was a significant downpour and when I arrived on location, the pups were nowhere to be found. Officer Mola and I were discussing options when a coyote pup appeared momentarily before quickly hiding in the drainage pipe.
A few moments later, Officer Mola heard splashing and saw one of the pups stuck in a pit of water below a storm grate. Adrenaline took over and I rushed over, lifted the iron cover and saw that the pup was weak and struggling to keep his head above water. I was able to get a catch pole on the pup and safely remove him in the nick of time. I secured him in a blanket while another officer gathered a carrier. As we were getting the first pup situated, my wife Raquel heard another pup thrashing in water and I was able to get a catch pole and safely lift the second pup out of the water.
Within a few minutes, we safely captured two coyote pups from a storm drainage system, secured them in carriers, and they were transported to Tufts Wildlife Clinic in Grafton, MA by Shirley resident Kellie Currier. At that point, they were in the hands of one of the most qualified and skilled wildlife veterinary practices in New England.
This was an amazing rescue that saved the life of two coyote pups! Had we not been there at the exact right time we would be pulling two dead bodies from the storm drain system. This rescue was done safely and in compliance with all Massachusetts wildlife laws. We were all so elated to know the pups would have a second chance!
Two days later, we received a call about a third coyote pup suffering from mange and we headed back out to Shirley. This time we were joined by ACO Kirsten Hirschler, who often assists Officer Mola.
A resident stopped to inform us she had spotted the coyote pups in her yard and gave us permission to enter her property. We spotted the lone pup on a hill behind her house. We tried luring him off the hill with food, but he soon retreated right back up the hill. He looked weak and exhausted, so I thought if I could get close enough to him, I would likely be able to catch him.
I instructed Officers Mola and Hirschler to react as soon as they saw me lunge for the pup. The hill was made of loose gravel and wicked thorny plants that made it difficult to move quietly. I crept up to about 20 feet from him and waited until he looked in the other direction when I rushed the pup and captured him with a Snappy Snare (a humane device used to secure an animal). Officers Mola and Hirschler assisted in getting the pup secured and placed in a carrier. I volunteered to transport him to Tufts Wildlife Clinic.
Before we could celebrate the successful capture of three coyote pups in two days, Officer Mola called and said there were two, maybe three more! So, we drove back and located at least one of them. This pup was in rough shape but was too mobile to catch by hand. With permission granted by Massachusetts Fish & Wildlife, Officer Mola set box traps for the remaining pups. Officer Mola successfully trapped the fourth pup a day later, who was also transported to Tufts Wildlife Clinic.
Capturing four coyotes in two days was a phenomenal task, but with teamwork, help from Shirley residents and the dedication of two extremely compassionate ACOs, we were successful! Officers Mola and Hirschler are two of the finest ACOs in the state of Massachusetts.
This rescue occurred in Officer Mola’s jurisdiction, who on top of being an incredible and compassionate wildlife rescuer, was able to coordinate with both state officials and various wildlife clinics in the area to find these coyotes the veterinary care they needed. She gets the job done with a catch pole in one hand and a cell phone in the other!
I feel lucky to have been able to help with this rescue. These pups were suffering from mange and needed veterinary care quickly. I feel passionate that all ACOs should not only have the ability but the desire to help animals of all species in need. Unfortunately, too many ACOs simply aren’t allowed to by their employers, which means countless animals suffer needlessly. I’d like to see a day when all ACOs can perform their duties like officers Mola and Hirschler.
