A man outdoors in Canada befriended the loveliest adventure companion when he rescued a drowned coyote cub during a 10-day rafting trip.
The poignant story about the unlikely friendship emerged on July 14 when the Saskatchewan Wildlife Rehabilitation Society shared photos of their excursion on their social media accounts, writing that a man named Justin a recently saved a coyote cub while he was in his raft in Saskatchewan.
“While fishing, he heard something in the screeching of the water, and it was then that he saw a species of animal swimming in the river! His nose was just above the water and the water was so dark and cloudy that Justin couldn’t make out initially what kind of animal was it, “said the publication.
“Justin tried to catch the animal, but he also ended up falling into the icy water. Fortunately, Justin was able to locate the animal, a coyote cub! In the water and catch his raft before it floated forever!”
Saskatchewan Wildlife Rehabilitation Society YipYip the Coyote Pup
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The coyote cub was unconscious when taken aboard the raft, according to the wildlife organization, but Justin immediately performed CPR on the animal and “was able to do a modified Heimlich maneuver.” [sic] pushing on her belly. “
“After a few pushes, the water from the jet came out of the coyote’s nose and he was breathing again! Justin and his new friend were soaked, so they ended up back on land where Justin made a fire and tried to warm the little one up” .
Since Justin was in the middle of a solo rafting trip along the Red Deer and South Saskatchewan rivers and had limited reception, he took the cub along on his 10-day adventure before finding help for his furry friend, WRSOS said in its publication.
Saskatchewan Wildlife Rehabilitation Society YipYip the Coyote Pup
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“The little cub ate with Justin, snuggled up in his jacket and slept in his backpack as they rafted down the river. Justin ended up naming the little YipYip and looked after him very well throughout the trip,” the organization wrote. Explaining that Justin eventually “was able to find a place where he could get service and call his wife for advice.”
According to WRSOS, the couple contacted several animal shelters in neighboring provinces before connecting with an SPCA chapter in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. In turn, the rescue contacted WRSOS for help.
According to the organization, YipYip is now in a rehabilitation center, where the cub will remain until he is old enough to be released again.
“If it weren’t for the wonderfully loving Justin, little YipYip would have perished in the river,” WRSOS said. “Thanks Justin!”
