SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - An almost strangled coyote is getting sympathy from Katie Ryan's neighbors in Oaks North in Rancho Bernardo and from online friends.
"People are just 'Wow! This is phenomenal. Let's get her rescued, let's get her rescued!'" Ryan said.
What appears to be 5- or 6-inch length of plastic flex-pipe that might have been discarded is wrapped tightly around the coyote's neck.
"Little critters try to make a home in there and other wildlife try to bring out a meal and it's obvious she got her head stuck in there and couldn't back it out," Ryan said.
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Ryan's familiar with this particular coyote; having seen it out and about for years. Many people fear coyotes but she appreciates the wildlife she watches nightly.
"They're part of the eco-system here; they clean up; this was one of my favorite rat-catchers," Ryan said.
She's worried that cuts on the coyote's neck will get infected and poison it; so she and others have been trying to capture the animal.
"Little tidbits of goodies to lead her in this direction and she almost got into a smaller coyote trap," she added.
Wednesday night, they set up a larger trap; one that is mountain lion-sized but no success.
"She stayed ten feet away from the corner; I think she knew, she spotted the difference in the trap. They're very sensitive to change in the environment and when that happens, they run off," Ryan said.
Her brainstorming with others now; hoping to get to the coyote in time; somehow.
"We're hoping we get her and get her some medical help; get her fixed up and put back into nature."
