**Coyote Rescued from Quicksand-like Marsh on Long Island, Receives Medical Care**
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A coyote on Long Island has found a second chance at life after being rescued from a treacherous, muddy marsh where it had become trapped. The animal, now under the care of Strong Island Animal Rescue League and Sweetbriar Nature Center, is being treated for a broken leg and various other injuries.
The rescue operation unfolded on 3rd June when local police alerted Strong Island Animal Rescue League to the distressed animal stuck in deep mud. Upon arriving at the scene, rescuers encountered challenging conditions, with mud reported to be nearly four feet deep and akin to quicksand. The situation quickly escalated to a life-threatening one, necessitating immediate action.
Frankie, one of the volunteers trained in rescue techniques, undertook the challenging task of reaching the coyote. In footage shared on the organisation’s social media, he is seen employing a long pole to secure the animal, which was desperately struggling with only its nose protruding from the muddy surface. Viewers could see the coyote’s struggle to keep its snout above water, working to blow mud bubbles and avoid drowning.
“I’m standing on a branch; I don’t know if I can move much further,” Frankie remarked, as he attempted to get closer to the coyote without jeopardising his own safety. Once he managed to secure the animal by its head, Frankie worked cautiously to pull the coyote from the depths of the mud, ensuring to keep the pressure loose around its neck. “What’s up, buddy? We’re mud brothers. This is insane,” he said during the rescue.
After the coyote was successfully extracted from the swampy mire, rescuers Janine and Frankie placed it into a net and then into a carrier for transportation to Sweetbriar Nature Center. There, the animal was assessed and treated for severe emaciation and other injuries. Subsequent examination indicated that the coyote had likely been struck by a vehicle, which resulted in a broken leg and other undetermined ailments. These injuries had rendered it unable to hunt, ultimately leading to its weakened state and subsequent entrapment.
As of 5th June, a follow-up update from Strong Island Animal Rescue League indicated that the coyote had stabilised after receiving round-the-clock care at Sweetbriar. This ongoing treatment consists of administering fluids, antibiotics, flea medication, blood testing, and a nutritious diet. However, the journey to recovery is not without its challenges; the coyote will require surgery on its broken leg followed by significant rehabilitation before it may have the opportunity to return to its natural habitat.
The rescue team is currently debating two potential names for their new charge: “Morass,” signifying a boggy area where one might get stuck, and “Nissequogue,” derived from an Algonquian term for a muddy river. In their social media posts, the organisation emphasised the existence of coyotes on Long Island and their right to live, stating, “Yes, he deserves to live. Teamwork saves them.”
Amid the ongoing care and treatment, Strong Island Animal Rescue League is appeal for donations from the public to help cover the coyote’s surgical and rehabilitation expenses. They have provided details on how to contribute on their Facebook page, underscoring the importance of community support in such rescue efforts.
The plight of this coyote sheds light on the challenges faced by wildlife in urban areas, particularly regarding habitat loss and vehicle encounters. The successful rescue illustrates not only the dedication of local animal welfare organisations but also the invaluable role that community members play in these life-saving endeavours.
As this brave coyote continues its healing journey, the hope remains that it will one day roam free again, embodying the resilience of wildlife in the face of adversity.