Coyote Pup Saved After Falling Into Cactus in Arizona

When a homeowner in Surprise, Arizona spotted a three-pound coyote pup trapped in a cholla cactus, the baby animal's entire body was covered in painful barbed spines. The homeowner immediately called Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale, where a team of rescuers sprang into action.

The tiny orphaned pup, estimated at just four weeks old, had spines poking through his face, paws, legs, stomach, and even completely through his ears. Veterinary technician Berk Martineau knew this was far worse than the typical cactus encounters the center usually sees.

"These cactuses are super gnarly, and they have barbed spines, and they stick to your skin like crazy," Martineau explained in a video documenting the rescue. The pup arrived lethargic and showing signs of shock.

After sedating the young coyote to keep him comfortable, Martineau and his colleague began the painstaking work of removing each spine with metal clamps. Unlike regular thorns, cholla cactus spines have barbs that make them incredibly difficult to extract.

The delicate procedure took two and a half hours. Every spine had to be carefully pulled to avoid causing more damage to the baby animal's fragile skin.

Once free from the painful spines, the pup was placed in a warmed incubator with fluids to help him rehydrate and recover. Finally comfortable and safe, he enjoyed his first meal at the center.

Sunny's Take

This little coyote's rough start reminds us how vulnerable baby animals are when they lose their mothers. Martineau explained that orphaned wildlife are still learning to navigate the world, which often leads to dangerous situations like this one.

The good news? The center specializes in exactly this kind of rehabilitation. The pup will stay at Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center until he grows into a healthy adult coyote capable of surviving on his own.

"We've got to get him all raised up to a big adult coyote and get him prepped to go back out into the wild," Martineau said. The team is optimistic this will be the hardest challenge the little guy faces during his recovery.

Now the pup can focus on what baby animals do best: eating, sleeping, and growing stronger every day.