Among the millions upon millions of people who enjoy social media is a large group of animal lovers. Not only do they enjoy hearing stories about family pets but also incredible rescues. But once in a while, someone posts something so wild, it almost seems unbelievable yet it’s 100 percent true.
An outdoor adventure
Justin, an avid outdoor adventurer, decided to take a multi-day rafting trip down the Saskatchewan and Red Deer Rivers. But at one point, he heard a strange noise. At first, it sounded like a couple of dogs fighting. So, he decided to investigate.
Nothing there
But as Justin made his way over to where he heard the sound coming from, he didn’t see anything. While still in the same area fishing, he again heard an odd sound. This time, it was more like a squeak. Once again, he looked toward where the noise came from but this time, something caught his attention.
Barely visible
Although he wasn’t sure what it was, he spotted an animal in the river with its head just barely above the water’s surface. Trying to get a better view, he accidentally fell into the icy cold water. At that moment, he realized the animal was a coyote pup and it was starting to drown. Quickly, he pulled himself and the pup into his raft.
Not breathing
But Justin was horrified. This poor creature was unconscious. Even worse, it didn’t appear to be breathing, Instinctively, he began animal CPR. That combined with doing a modified Heimlich procedure, water began pouring out of the pup’s nose. Finally, this little guy took a deep breath.
Rendering further aid
Since they were both cold and wet, Justin rowed to shore, made a big fire, and dried the two of them off. Now that they’d had a close connection, Justin named the coyote Yip-Yip. But the next morning, something even more spectacular occurred. This pup joined Justin on his rafting trip.
10 days on the water
Without any cell phone service and not wanting to leave this baby to fend for itself, Justin took Yip-Yip with him. Over the next 10 days, they became so close that the pup and he ate and cuddled together. This furry creature would even sleep in Justin’s backpack, a perfect place that was just his size.
Finally, connected
At the end of the 10 days, Justin was finally able to contact his wife. She provided numbers for organizations in both Manitoba and Ontario, which directed him to the Swift Current SPCA. But they passed him on to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan. It was that group that got Justin and Yip-Yip’s story out to the world.
Much-needed help
Justin didn’t have any experience with coyote pups. So, the rehabilitation center took this little guy in. They checked him out, provided proper food and water, and started to let Yip-Yip calm down after his harrowing experience.
Returning to the wild
When Yip-Yip is older and ready, the wildlife rescuers will release him back into the wild. There, in his habitat, he’ll do amazingly well. As for Justin, he has an incredible story to share. Unfortunately, when he fell in the water, his camera was damaged although he was able to salvage a few precious photos.
Dealing with wildlife
Justin’s story is unique. Although a lot of people have helped rescue wild animals, experts give a reminder that if possible, contact someone with experience to assist rather than taking things in your own hands. After all, wild animals are unpredictable.
But in this case, everything worked out beautifully. Since the rafting trip, Justin has gone his way and soon, Yip-Yip will go his. But these two had the opportunity to bond in the most unusual way.
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Source: Bored Panda, Instagram
