Studio City residents who had grown accustomed to seeing a lone coyote roaming the neighborhood say goodbye to “Wendy” this week. Wildlife Care of Southern California, the Simi Valley‑based rehabilitation group that captured her, announced that a veterinary examination revealed a severe infection that had destroyed the left side of her upper jaw and left two pellets embedded in her skull.
Discovery of the injury
Diagnostic imaging showed that Wendy, an estimated three‑year‑old coyote, had been shot at some point in the past. The resulting infection eroded the bone of her upper jaw, leaving her unable to eat normally. “The extent of the damage was so severe that there was no surgery or treatment capable of restoring normal function,” the organization wrote in a social‑media post.
Attempts to save her
After being captured last week—following a series of sightings reported by local residents since July—Wendy received a course of antibiotics and anti‑inflammatory medication. She was fed soft foods she could manage despite the damage. However, veterinarians determined that she would have required a soft‑food diet for the rest of her life and could not be safely released back into the wild.
Decision to end her suffering
“After consulting together and carefully considering her long‑term welfare and quality of life, we collectively determined that keeping her alive under those circumstances would not be humane,” the group said. The decision was made with the animal’s best interests at heart, reflecting the organization’s commitment to compassionate wildlife care.
Community response
Wendy had become a familiar sight for many Studio City families, who often spotted her wandering near streets and parks. The wildlife group reported that she spent a week in their care feeling safe and comfortable. “Although the outcome was not the one any of us had hoped or prayed for, we are deeply grateful to everyone who followed her story, helped with her capture, donated towards her care, and held hope for recovery,” the organization added.
Looking ahead
Wildlife Care of Southern California plans to release photographs from Wendy’s examination to document the severity of her condition and to raise awareness about the dangers that firearms and injuries pose to urban wildlife. The organization encourages residents to report sightings of injured animals promptly, as early intervention can often make the difference between recovery and tragedy.
How to help local wildlife
Residents who encounter injured wildlife are urged to contact licensed rehabilitation centers rather than attempting to handle the animal themselves. Providing accurate location details and any observations about the animal’s behavior can assist professionals in delivering timely care.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
