7-week-old coyote pup fights for life after Cape Coral hit-and-run

SANIBEL, Fla. (WINK) — A 7-week-old coyote pup is fighting for her life at a Sanibel Island wildlife clinic after being hit by a vehicle in Cape Coral.

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The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife received the critically injured pup last week. Dr. Jessica Comolli, CROW's research and medical director, and Dr. Kaitlyn Crocker, CROW's veterinary intern, discovered the dehydrated pup had a fractured right front leg and suspected head trauma.

"She had no obvious external head injuries, but she was in shock and showed signs consistent with neurological trauma," Comolli said.

The team immediately began treatment for a suspected brain injury and placed the pup under close observation. The young coyote remains under intensive veterinary care, receiving medications and monitoring around the clock.

"We're encouraged to share that she is making steady progress," Comolli said. "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."

Veterinarians are now considering surgical correction of the fractures in her front leg. More than $3,100 was raised on Facebook as of Wednesday to support the coyote's care.

A Cape Coral police officer brought the injured pup from Pine Island Road to VEG ER for Pets in Fort Myers on Friday. CROW volunteers then transported her to the clinic on Sanibel Island.

"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, public affairs officer at the Cape Coral Police Department.