Coyote is a slender female wolf-dog with beautifully colored fur and an adorable head tilt that can melt anyone’s heart. Since arriving at Popcorn Park, she has been enjoying the great outdoors, sniffing new scents, and exploring her space. She's also been getting to know our keepers who have already lovingly nicknamed her "Yote" (yoh-tee).

Coyote got her name from her looks, as she has similar traits to a coyote. While her companion Balto is the more confident of the two, Coyote is a bit more shy and cautious. She tends to take her time observing her surroundings, but her curiosity always shines through. 

Like all wolf-dogs, Coyote is not your typical dog. She retains many wild instincts and does not seek out affection in the same way a domestic dog would. Sudden movements or unfamiliar situations can make her cautious, and her behavior reflects the natural wariness of her wolf heritage.

Coyote’s story is an important reminder of why wild animals should remain in the wild. Wolf-dogs are the result of breeding domestic dogs with wolves, often for novelty or status, but they are incredibly complex animals that are not suited for typical home environments. While owning a pure wolf is illegal, wolf-dogs can be owned in some areas depending on their genetic makeup, though laws vary widely and are often strict and complicated.

Because of their unique needs and behaviors, many wolf-dogs are misunderstood and difficult to place. As a result, owners realize too late wolf-dogs can be difficult to manage, which results neglect, abandonment, surrenders, or euthanasia. In fact, according to estimates from the W.O.L.F. Sanctuary, up to 95% of captive-bred wolves and wolf-dogs do not make it past the age of two, not due to aggression, but because there are not enough appropriate homes or sanctuaries available.

Thankfully, a rescue from western North Carolina reached out to us about Coyote and Balto, and we were more than happy to offer them a safe, permanent home together at Popcorn Park.

It has been some time since we’ve had wolf-heritage at the Refuge, and their care requires specialized diets, enrichment, and space. You can help welcome Coyote to the Popcorn Park pack by checking out our wishlist or sponsoring her today to ensure she continues to feel safe and thrive in her new home!