Coyote pup hit by vehicle receiving critical care at CROW
Wildlife clinic on Sanibel Island asks community for support as 7-week-old patient fights to survive
A critically injured coyote pup is receiving intensive emergency treatment after it was apparently hit by a vehicle in Cape Coral last Friday.
When the roughly 7-week-old dehydrated coyote was brought to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, Dr. Jessica Comolli, CROW’s Research & Medical director, and Dr. Kaitlyn Crocker, CROW’s veterinary intern, determined she had a fractured right front leg.
Then came assessing the pup’s head trauma.
“She had no obvious external head injuries, but she was in shock and showed signs consistent with neurological trauma,” Comolli said in a prepared statement. “We immediately began treatment for a suspected brain injury and placed her under close observation. We’re encouraged to share that she is making steady progress. She has a long road to recovery ahead of her, but she has a team of dedicated wildlife professionals and an entire community rallying behind her.”
The pup remains under intensive veterinary care, receiving medications and close monitoring around the clock.
“At this stage, we are considering surgical correction of the fractures in her front leg,” Comolli said.
More than $3,100 was raised on Facebook as of Wednesday to use toward the coyote’s care.
CROW has veterinary partners at which anyone can drop off injured wildlife at no cost. From there, CROW volunteers pick up the animals and bring them to the clinic.
Treatment began after a Cape Coral police officer brought the injured pup from Pine Island Road to VEG ER for Pets in Fort Myers.
“We are grateful for our community partners like VEG and CROW and are so glad this young coyote is getting the care she needs,” said Lisa Greenberg, CCPD Public Affairs Officer.
CROW has received or treated 28 coyotes since 2022. Last year, CROW saw a total of 5,046 wildlife patients. For more information, visit www.crowclinic.org.
About Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife
Founded in 1968, CROW is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the sick, injured, and orphaned native and migratory wildlife of Southwest Florida and beyond. Through veterinary care, educational programs, and a visitor center, CROW strives to improve the health of wildlife and the environment. Its state-of-the-art Harkey Sea Turtle Complex is anticipated to open in 2026. For more information, visit www.crowclinic.org. If you find an animal in need of help, call (239) 472-3644 ext. #222.