Viral Coyote With Unusual Facial Growth Has Rescuers Searching for Her

LOS ANGELES — A coyote with a striking facial growth has captured widespread attention online, and wildlife rescuers are now asking the public to help locate her so she can receive medical care.

The coyote, known locally as “Wendy” and also nicknamed “Sunshine” by the East Valley Shelter, has reportedly been living around the San Fernando Valley for more than a year. A large growth on the left side of her face has made her instantly recognizable to residents who have spotted her.

Rescuers Want to Give Her a Chance

Wildlife Care of Southern California has been searching for Wendy for roughly four weeks.

The organization wants to safely capture her and bring her to veterinarians, where she can undergo examinations and X-rays to determine what is causing the growth and whether it can be treated.

Although the growth looks alarming, rescuers say Wendy appears to remain active and in relatively good overall condition.

That has given wildlife specialists hope that she can still be helped.

The Internet Has Taken Notice

Photos and videos of the unusual-looking coyote have spread rapidly online, with many people becoming concerned about her welfare.

Local residents have been helping wildlife workers keep an eye out for her and provide information about recent sightings.

The goal, however, is not for members of the public to approach or attempt to capture Wendy themselves. Wild coyotes can be unpredictable, and any rescue effort needs to be handled by trained wildlife professionals.

What Could Be Causing the Growth?

At this point, rescuers don’t know exactly what the mass on Wendy’s face is.

It could be an abscess, tumor or another medical condition, but only a veterinary examination can determine the cause. The planned X-rays and medical assessment should provide more information once she is safely captured.

Wildlife Care of Southern California is also seeking financial support for the medical treatment and equipment that may be required.

A Community Hopes to Find Her

Wendy’s story has become another example of how an unusual wildlife encounter can bring an entire community together.

For now, rescuers are simply hoping someone spots her again and provides enough information to help them safely locate her.

The internet may have made Wendy famous — but wildlife rescuers are hoping her next big appearance will be at a veterinary clinic, where she can finally get the care she needs.