Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network receiving Dozens of Injured Baby Animals
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is seeing an unusual influx of coyote pups this spring, adding to an already busy baby animal season.
While the nonprofit typically treats just one or two coyote pups every few years, staff say they have already received eight so far this season — a record number.
“We normally don’t get any coyote puppies,” a spokesperson said. “We’ll get older juveniles and adults brought into care, but this is highly unusual.”
The center is currently treating 357 animals, up 57 from the previous week. The increase includes a wide variety of species, but the number of coyote pups stands out as an anomaly. Other wildlife centers across the region are also reporting they are at or near capacity with similar cases.
It’s unclear what’s driving the spike. Wildlife experts suspect the pups may have been orphaned, but they are awaiting surveys and biologist reports for more insight.
The center is now working to create a new enclosure specifically for coyotes and other larger mammals. Staff say the pups are recovering well and will soon be moved into a larger outdoor habitat.
“They are a handful, but it’s great to see them doing well,” the spokesperson said.
The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is asking for volunteers to support its efforts during this busy season. Community members who see a coyote in distress are encouraged to call the organization’s hotline.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://www.sbwcn.org.