Natural History Wanderings

98.1KDD reported

A young coyote pup found in Surprise, Arizona, covered in hundreds of Cholla cactus spines is recovering after being rescued by the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale.

The animal, believed to be four to six weeks old, had to be lightly sedated while veterinary staff spent more than two hours removing spines from nearly every part of its body, including its nose, mouth, ears, tail, and back.

After a week of recovery, the pup is eating well, gaining strength, and beginning to socialize with other orphaned coyotes at the center.

Read more Rescuers Save Baby Coyote Covered In Cactus Spines