Topline:<\/p>\n
A coyote from Studio City that made headlines for its injured appearance was euthanized this week after wildlife rescuers determined she had been shot and was suffering from a significant infection.<\/p>\n
The backstory: Wildlife Care of Southern California<\/a> captured the swollen, disfigured coyote last month<\/a> after tracking sightings online for weeks. The coyote was nicknamed Wendy by some neighbors who were trying to help her, as reported by LAist\u2019s media partner CBS LA<\/a>. Rescuers believed the community had been feeding her canned cat food and hotdogs, which they said<\/a> seemed to be \u201cthe only thing she could eat because of her condition.\u201d<\/p>\n Why now: The coyote was euthanized after two pellets were found in her head, which rescuers said indicated she had been shot in the past. She also had “severe” injuries from being hit by a car, as well as an infection that destroyed her left upper jaw bone. She couldn’t eat solid food, had trouble breathing, was blind in one eye and deaf in one ear, the organization shared Wednesday.<\/p>\n Keep up with LAist.<\/p>\n If you’re enjoying this article, you’ll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less. <\/p>\n What rescuers say: Anna Marie Reams, executive director of Wildlife Care of Southern California, told LAist the coyote wouldn\u2019t have been able to live normally in the wild or in captivity. \u201cAfter 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,\u201d the organization said on social media<\/a>, adding that she spent her last week with them safe, comfortable and surrounded by caretakers.<\/p>\n How to support rescuers<\/p>\n Anna Marie Reams, the executive director of Wildlife Care of Southern California<\/a>, told LAist their work is supported entirely by donations.<\/p>\n You can learn more about donating here<\/a>.You can learn more about volunteer opportunities here<\/a>.<\/p>\n What’s next: The founder of Southern California Pit Bull Rescue<\/a> is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who previously shot the coyote, the organization announced<\/a> Tuesday.<\/p>\n Coexisting with coyotes: The most effective way to prevent conflicts with coyotes is to not feed wildlife, according to the Urban Coyote Research Project<\/a>. Coyotes that are being fed in residential areas can lose their fear of people. It\u2019s illegal to feed coyotes in the city<\/a> and county<\/a> of L.A., as well as Burbank<\/a>, Glendale<\/a> and Pasadena<\/a>, among others.<\/p>\n Listen to our podcast: Why we villainize coyotes, and more things you need to know about them<\/a><\/p>\n Go deeper: LA Explained: How To Live Safely With Our Coyote Neighbors<\/a><\/p>\n