We would recommend not approaching an injured wild animal as it could create a dangerous situation. If someone in Goodyear were to come upon a situation such as this, they could call our non-emergency number for officer assistance, 623-932-1220.”

Lisa Berry, Goodyear Police Department public information officer

By Kelly O’Sullivan
Twitter: @AzNewsmedia

Five weeks after he was rescued by a Goodyear Police officer, the young coyote that was badly injured after being hit by a vehicle June 15 continues to heal, and may soon be ready for release.

The Goodyear Police Department updated the now 17-week-old’s progress on its Facebook page on Thursday, July 23.

“He is doing very well and recovering! His splints have been removed and they hope he will be ready for safe release back into the wild in the near future,” according to the post.

An accompanying photo shows the pup at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale, where he’s been recovering since a representative from the organization picked him up June 15. GPD Officer Hawkins Mann, who discovered the injured coyote that evening, used blankets to move him off the roadway and make him comfortable until the animal transport could arrive.

A few days after the rescue, GPD posted a photo on its Facebook page showing the injured tyke resting quietly on blue blankets. His age was estimated at 12 weeks. The post generated more than 1,200 likes, 116 comments and 84 shares.

In response to queries about his condition, GPD Public Information Officer Lisa Berry shared an update July 1, noting the pup was recovering after surgery to repair his broken hind legs.

This week’s post also included those earlier photos, and a shout-out to the conservation center and its staff.

“We enjoy the relationship we have with Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center and appreciate their hard work and dedication!” the post stated.

Several people commented that they were happy to see the update.

“Made my heart swell,” Liz Sheridan wrote.

“Glad he is doing well thanks to the caring officer who saved his life. He is a blessing!” Marlayne Boblett added.

“Very COOL. Made my day,” commented Teresa Gattuso. “Thank you all.”

What to do if you
encounter injured wildlife

While it’s tempting to initiate an immediate rescue of injured wildlife, GPD advises against it.

“We would recommend not approaching an injured wild animal as it could create a dangerous situation,” Ms. Berry said via email. “If someone in Goodyear were to come upon a situation such as this, they could call our non-emergency number for officer assistance, 623-932-1220.”

They also can call the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center at 480-433-5656 for wildlife emergencies.

For more than 25 years, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit has rescued, rehabilitated and released countless Arizona wildlife back to their natural homes.

SWCC specializes in desert mammals, including bobcats, coatis, coyotes, foxes, javelina, racoons and skunks, and maintains a complete veterinary clinic to treat injured animals.

The organizion also operates a sanctuary for those animals unable to return to the wild. Some of its current residents include black bears, gray wolves, mountain lions and mule deer.

For more information on the wildlife center and its programs, or to book a tour, visit www.southwestwildlife.org.

Kelly O’Sullivan can be reached at 760-963-1697 or kosullivan@newszap.com.