Wendy (coyote)
| Other name | Sunshine |
|---|---|
| Species | Coyote (Canis latrans) |
| Sex | Female |
| Born | c. 2023 |
| Died | September 8, 2026 Simi Valley, California, US |
| Cause of death | Euthanasia following severe infection caused by a gunshot to the head |
| Residence | Studio City, California, US |
Wendy, also known as Sunshine,[1] was a wild coyote who resided in Studio City, California, United States. She was known for her deformed face, caused by a gunshot wound, and was euthanized on September 8, 2026.
History
[edit]According to Southern California Pit Bull Rescue founder Mark Rulon, Wendy was a fixture in Studio City, California, for years.[2] Residents first noticed swelling on her face in 2025;[2][3] she was later determined to be traversing an inconsistent 2.5-mile (4.0 km) route in the city while most likely being fed by locals.[4] Rescuers originally thought her deformity might be a tumor, then the result of a wildlife–vehicle collision after a local reported that she had been involved in one around the time the deformity was first noticed.[3]
Wildlife Care of Southern California in Simi Valley, California, with the assistance of Southern California Pit Bull Rescue and Urban Rescue, captured Wendy on August 31, 2026, after tracking her online since July 14 and in person since August 7.[4] The organization examined her and found two pellets lodged in her head, indicating that at some point she had been shot by a pellet gun;[2][5] they also found that a severe infection had destroyed her upper jaw bone on the left side of her face. They fed her soft foods and treated her with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, then euthanized her on September 8, 2026, after determining that no treatment or surgery could restore her normal function.[5][6] The organization explained that she would require a soft food diet for the rest of her life, meaning she could not return to the wild nor would she experience freedom in a captive environment, and that "keeping her alive under those circumstances would not be humane."[7]
Wendy was estimated to be three years old when she was euthanized.[5][6] The day after her death, Southern California Pit Bull Rescue announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of her shooter.[8] On September 16, the reward was increased to $21,000.[9]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ Phillipp, Charlotte (August 28, 2026). "California Wildlife Organization Asks for Help Finding and Treating Viral Coyote With a Facial Growth". People.
- 1 2 3 Harter, Clara (September 17, 2026). "Shooting of beloved Studio City coyote Wendy sparks hunt for justice". Los Angeles Times.
- 1 2 Lindahl, Chris (September 1, 2026). "Coyote With Disturbing Facial Swelling Captured In LA, Now Under Treatment". Patch Media.
- 1 2 Farrell, Paul (September 1, 2026). "Beloved coyote Wendy finally rescued after community spent weeks trying to save her". The Independent.
- 1 2 3 "Studio City coyote Wendy euthanized after severe infection". ABC News. September 8, 2026.
- 1 2 Farrell, Paul (September 9, 2026). "Beloved LA coyote Wendy euthanized after vets discover she had been shot in the head". The Independent.
- ↑ Rodriguez, Matthew (September 8, 2026). "Studio City coyote with extremely swollen face euthanized". CBS News.
- ↑ Kurzweil, Tony (September 9, 2026). "Beloved L.A.-area coyote Wendy euthanized; reward now offered". KTLA.
- ↑ Kurzweil, Tony (September 17, 2026). "Reward tops $20K in search for beloved L.A.-area coyote Wendy's shooter". KTLA.
