A strange sight recently caught the attention of residents in Pasco County, Florida. The community was abuzz with reports of a mysterious figure roaming the area: a black “dog” with a glass jar stuck on its head. The concern was palpable, and locals quickly shared posts online, urging others to keep an eye out for the distressed creature.
The situation eventually reached Lea Elise Haverstock, founder of Maxx and Me Pet Rescue, who joined the search. “There was a post that an emaciated black ‘dog’ was loose with a glass jar on its head,” Haverstock told The Dodo. “I came out to join that search.”
Although Haverstock wasn’t immediately sure whether the animal was a dog, she knew it was in dire need of help. “I was distressed knowing this animal, whatever it was, had a jar on its head and could not eat,” she added.
It wasn’t long before an officer from Pasco County Animal Services spotted the animal and identified it as a black coyote, a rare sight in the area. While coyotes are present in the region, black coyotes—known as “melanistic coyotes” due to their distinctive dark coats—are exceptionally uncommon.
According to the Wolf Conservation Center, melanistic coyotes stand out in stark contrast to their more typical, lighter-colored counterparts, making them even more remarkable in the wild.
Determined to rescue the animal, Haverstock and a team of volunteers embarked on an eight-hour search through dense woods. When they finally spotted the coyote, Haverstock acted quickly. She sprinted toward the animal, securing it in her arms while calling for help. Another rescuer arrived just in time to remove the jar from the coyote’s head.
With the jar finally removed, the grateful coyote dashed off into the wilderness, likely heading straight for its first meal in a long while.
Haverstock reflected on the significance of the rescue mission, emphasizing the importance of compassion and perseverance when helping animals in need. “No matter the animal you see that needs your help, don’t ever give up,” she said. “Fight for that animal no matter if that is uncomfortable or if it puts you in a position where you have to take a stand. Be a warrior for helpless animals, [be] kind, compassionate, and brave.”
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