VIDEO: Animal Rescuers Trying To Track, Treat Coyote With Severe Case Of Mange
DANVILLE (CBS SF) -- A coyote with a severe case of mange has been spotted roaming the streets of Danville, and animal rescuers would like to capture and treat it.
Mange is a skin disease caused by mites. It causes severe itching, hair loss, scabs and lesions.
A video of the adult male confirms it has been ravaged by the condition. At one point, the animal stops and gnaws at what little fur is left on his body, in an effort to alleviate its own suffering.
Coyote with mange from Wildlife Emergency Services on Vimeo.
Wildlife Emergency Services has been trying to track the animal in hopes of taking it to a wildlife hospital for treatment. The animal eluded capture last Saturday, but WES will return and try again this week.
Meantime, local volunteers have been logging the wild dog's movements on social media and sharing the information with WES.
WES advises residents to leave capture up to the experts. They say coyote poses no risk to humans as long as they leave it alone. It has even been observed walking by dogs and cats, and it shows little interest.
"Although coyotes do not see humans as prey - not even small children, they will follow people. They aren't stalking, but hoping the person leads to food they can scavenge - like jackals in Africa follow lions."
For more information about the coyote and efforts to track him down, visit the WES blogspot.
