California coyote gets his fur and freedom back after 2 months of care for severe mange

Before arriving at the San Diego Humane Society, one California coyote had an extraordinarily serious case of mange, leaving him without fur and covered in scabs.

But the coyote needed just two months of care to fully recover before being released back into the wild. The San Diego Humane Society then shared before-and-after photos of the coyote's "incredible transformation."

Here's what to know

In Reddit's r/AnimalRescue community, the rescue organization provided three photos of the coyote's recovery.

The group wrote, "We wanted to share this incredible transformation of a coyote in our care… When this little guy arrived at our Ramona Wildlife Center, he was furless and covered in painful scabs caused by severe mange. But thanks to two months of care from our Project Wildlife team, he's gone from barely looking like a coyote to looking like the fluffy little canid he was meant to be… He was released earlier this month!"

In the first photo, the coyote seems scared, nervous, and in serious distress, curled up in the corner of a container. After one month, the coyote already appeared to be visibly recovering, but not quite healthy yet. But after another month, the animal looked much happier and healthier, underscoring just how meaningful some dedicated care can be.

Commenters shared their appreciation for the work that the San Diego Humane Society was doing. One wrote, "What a glow up! Thank you for helping him!" Another added, "amazing work and commitment! Thank you!" The original poster, representing the SDHS, responded, "We feel so grateful we're able to do what we do!"

Another commenter wrote, "Beautiful puppy," before joking, "I want him!"

Where can I learn more?

This coyote isn't the only wild canid to get a second chance with help from rescuers. 

• In Pittsburgh, a coyote wedged between alley walls was rescued and released in the woods.

• In the United Kingdom, a fox with paralyzed front legs recovered and sprinted back into the wild.

• A fox with raw, painful skin regained her feisty side after many baths.

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