Binghamton Zoo rescues coyote pup

The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is celebrating “Take Your Dog to Work Day” in a very non-traditional way – by announcing the arrival of Magnus the coyote pup.

Magnus was rescued at approximately three weeks of age by PAWS (Paws Animal Wildlife Sanctuary) in Waterloo, South Carolina. With no sign of his mother or other pups around, they took him in and started trying to find facilities that would care for him. 

An alternate home had to be found for Magnus because South Carolina law dictates he could not be released back into the wild. The Binghamton Zoo has the space and facilities for this species, so staff eagerly started making arrangements to make this Magnus’ new home.

Binghamton Zoo staff has been raising the 8-week old pup and socializing with him since his arrival on June 8. Magnus will help them tell the story of coyotes in the wild and their relationship with red wolves. This education is especially important in the area where he came from; where coyotes and red wolves live in the same habitat.

To see Magnus and hear his story, visit http://rossparkzoo.com/magnus/.

Coyotes can be found throughout Mexico, the United States, and Canada in habitats ranging from forests to deserts. Coyotes’ coats are colored grayish brown, reddish brown and gray. They live about 10 years in the wild and 18 years in captivity.

Litter size ranges from four to six pups and it takes about nine to 12 months for a coyote to reach its adult size. Once full grown, coyotes can grow to a maximum of 50 pounds, can run up to 40 mph and can jump distances of up to 13 feet. 

Coyotes are nocturnal, doing the majority of their hunting and traveling at night. They usually travel and hunt alone, but live in family groups in dens. Coyotes are primarily carnivorous eating nearly everything including rabbits, squirrels, mice, deer, birds, snakes and large insects.

Magnus is currently going through a quarantine period and will not be on exhibit. Ultimately, he will be a future resident of Wolf Woods.

The Binghamton Zoo is located at 60 Morgan Rd. in Binghamton, N.Y. General admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages three to 11. The admissions booth is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and the zoo closes at 5 p.m. 

For more information, call (607) 724-5461 or visit the zoo website at rossparkzoo.com.