A local friend found at least one baby coyote in a culvert in her neighborhood, appeared to be abandoned. A dead coyote was also found nearby on Rte 83. This was her response when I asked if anyone was notified: "Another neighbor said they called (I really don't think they did) and were told they are wild, leave them a lone. I was wondering if you know any wildlife rehabilitation that would take them and raise them. Some of the neighbors are feeding them dog food, ham, bread, one person even fed it from their hand. I am afraid they will become dependent on scraps and not learn how to cope in the wild." My first thought was to contact you. Any advise I can give her?

If the pups were close to being weaned, they are probably fine. The other adult coyote should still be feeding them. But the adult won't be at the den site very much. So the neighbors wouldn't probably see it.

The worst thing the neighbors can do is to feed the pups pet food or scraps. A coyote that does not have a healthy fear of humans is a coyote that will likely cause problems down the road. I know the neighbors are trying to help, but feeding the pups isn't the way to do it.

I'd suggest calling Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation (847) 842-8000 to see if they have someone close enough to go take a look and access the situation. You don't want to take the pups if the other parent is still around caring for them.

Let me know how things turn out.

Thank you so much! I forwarded the information on and hopefully these pups will be taken care of properly!