At first glance, the team at the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Pennsylvania looks like it’s run by coyotes.
But don’t be fooled — the “coyotes” caring for six tiny pups at the center are actually human rescuers in disguise.
A few weeks ago, tragedy struck when a pregnant coyote was hit and killed by a car.
Luckily, a nearby veterinarian witnessed the accident and performed an emergency C-section, saving her six unborn babies.
Now, those fragile orphans are growing stronger by the day — thanks to a group of humans doing everything they can to pretend they’re not human at all.
“We wear masks so the pups don’t associate people with food or comfort,” rehabber Amanda told The Dodo. “Coyotes and eagles imprint very easily, so once their eyes opened, we started using the masks to help them stay wild.”
To the pups, the rescuers’ furry faces and quiet behavior are completely normal. Around the clinic, the masked caretakers move carefully and speak softly — or not at all — to avoid breaking the illusion.
“It’s a bit unusual to see around the clinic,” Amanda said, “but it’s necessary for animals at high risk of imprinting. We also limit handling and avoid talking when near them.”
As the weeks go on, the young coyotes will transition to a larger outdoor enclosure, where they’ll be monitored through a one-way mirror. That way, staff can ensure the pups are thriving — without the animals ever realizing they’re being watched.
After about nine months in care, the goal is for the coyotes to be strong, wary, and fully ready to return to the wild.
“When they’re ready, we’ll release them with help from the Pennsylvania Game Commission,” Amanda said. “They’ll be released far from human homes to minimize any future contact.”
What started as a heartbreaking loss is turning into a remarkable recovery story — all thanks to a rescue team willing to go undercover as coyote moms.
“The pups are all doing well,” Amanda said. “We’re optimistic that they’ll live long, wild lives — just as they were meant to.”
You can follow the progress of these masked heroes and their coyote pups on the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center’s Facebook page.
