Community Corner

Trending: Could You Turn This Injured Animal Away?

You might not be able to say no once you see the photo of this sad coyote. Authorities are absent as this coyote turns to humans for help.

By Shannon Antinori 

Typically, authorities tell people to give wildlife a wide berth, provided the animal in question doesn't appear sick or injured.

But what do you do when an injured wild thing shows up at on your doorstep?

That's what happened Wednesday to a homeowner in the 1900 block of Pebble Beach Drive, located in unincorporated Plainfield, not far from Route 59 and Theodore Street.

A reader shared a photo of an emaciated coyote staring in her neighbor's back door. 

The animal, which was visibly bloody, simply stood there and stared for at least 10 minutes, according to the neighbor. According to the resident, a rep from Will County Animal Control said the agency would not come collect the animal, and even asked her to contain it.

A call from Patch to animal control resulted in an automated message telling residents if they were calling about wildlife, to contact the Illinois Department of Conservation. A call placed to the number given by animal control for the department of conservation resulted in ANOTHER automated message, which urged callers to contact Illinois State Police if they had an emergency, or to visit the "living with wildlife" link on the University of Illinois Extension website.

Under "helping sick or injured mammals," the site advises: "If you find a sick or injured animal, there may be a wildlife rehabilitator in your area able to assist you. Untrained individuals should not handle sick or injured wildlife. If rabies is suspected, call the local animal control agency so that the animal can be captured and tested. If you have been bitten by a wild animal, seek medical attention immediately. Your health care provider can assess your risk for rabies exposure and can administer post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if needed."

The department of conservation automated line does allow callers to leave a voicemail. As of late Wednesday afternoon, a message from Patch had not been returned.


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