On May 1, 2012, an orphaned coyote pup was observed "scooting" across Hwy 125 near Redcliffe Elementary School in Jackson, SC. Upon close inspection it was malnourished, severely dehydrated, and suffering from multiple ant bites on its belly. Attempts to locate mother were unsuccessful. The pup was taken to a local veterinarian for care and quickly recovered. A permit to possess the coyote was obtained from SCDNR and it became an education animal in the SREL Outreach Program. Information about coyotes can be found on SCDNR's website.

Scooter resides at a location offsite in accordance with the permit. On days when he is not working, he stays outside in an enclosure that is constructed of 6' high fencing with a 300' perimeter. The enclosure is wooded. When possible he is allowed supervised free time outside the enclosure to hunt insects/rodents in an open field or wooded area. He spends his nights inside a 5'x15' kennel inside a garage. Below are some images that deal with Scooter, along with links to some videos.

DISCLAIMER: Although it appears that Scooter is quite friendly, he only acts this way towards a few humans—primarily his caretakers who have invested (and will continue to invest) a lot of time, effort, and patience in his upbringing. To all other humans he acts like a wild animal. Coyotes do not make good pets, and it is illegal to possess them without a permit.

To schedule a presentation that includes the coyote, please contact Sean Poppy at (803) 725-7588 or email poppy(at)srel.edu. The coyote is limited to travel within South Carolina.