Injured Coyote 'Athena' Rescued After Vet Steps In, Wildlife Raid Sparks Outrage (Mary & Fred Full Interview)

An injured young coyote is getting a second chance at life after a confusing and emotional ordeal sparked public outrage and calls for accountability.

The story began when a Good Samaritan found the injured coyote, now named Athena, after she was hit by a car in Palm Springs last Wednesday. She was taken to El Paseo Animal Hospital, where veterinarian Dr. David Jeffrey agreed to perform emergency surgery to amputate her severely broken leg. The 11-month-old coyote responded well to the procedure, bonding with the veterinary staff and recovering peacefully in the clinic’s office.

But days later, in a surprising and controversial move, a California Fish and Wildlife officer entered the clinic without proper identification, demanded Athena be handed over, and took her away in a cage, placing her in the back of a truck in the midday heat. The officer, identified as Officer Pietro Bono, allegedly refused to present credentials or supervisor contact information. According to NBC Palm Springs' Mary Strong, staff at the clinic were devastated and feared the worst—that Athena might be euthanized.

The confiscation outraged the community, especially on social media platforms like Nextdoor, where concerned residents demanded answers. Mary Strong began contacting local and state officials and discovered that the confiscation violated California regulatory code. According to the law, veterinarians have 10 days to report possession of a wild animal and may hold the animal for up to two weeks for care.

Once pressure mounted and the legal codes were presented, Fish and Wildlife reversed course and agreed to release Athena to the Magic Jungle Wildlife Preserve in Lucerne Valley, operated by Kelly Younger. The move likely saved the coyote’s life.

Dr. Jeffrey shut down his clinic for the day out of concern for Athena, and both he and his staff were reportedly emotional over her removal.

“He saved her life,” said Strong, who has been advocating for the coyote’s well-being. “This animal has so much more life to live.”

While Athena is now on her way to a safe rehabilitation facility, questions remain about why the officer acted in violation of protocol and who authorized the raid. As of now, calls placed to the officer’s supervisor, Captain Dustin Hollyoak, have not been returned.

The community’s efforts, led by concerned citizens and compassionate professionals, were key in ensuring the young coyote’s survival and recovery. Advocates are now focusing on making sure Athena receives the long-term care she needs.

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