FOYIL, Okla.- In Rogers County, wildlife experts are working with game wardens to look for a litter of wild coyotes who have been taken in as pets.
They believe as many as five families could be keeping the animals, making it dangerous for the animals and those around them.
"They're not puppies. And unfortunately they're going to find that out in about six months," said Wild Heart Ranch Director Annette King.
Wild Heart Ranch rescues animals from all walks of life.
But it's coyotes that are concerning right now, because they are living in Rogers County backyards.
One has been found so far and was sent to King.
"The person decided to do the right thing, knew it was wrong to keep it, it was bad for animal and brought it to us. And then we were told there were five more that were passed around, " said King.
Now game wardens are searching for the illegal pups and are willing to waive fines and court costs in order to keep them away from pets and even children.
Not only can they grow up to be dangerous in neighborhoods, but captivity can also be dangerous to them. That's why Wild Heart Ranch says getting them out of those backyards is a race against the clock.
"If we wait too long, we won't be able to take them because we won't be able to do anything except have them destroyed once they're pets, " King said. " We can't turn them around and get them wild."
King hopes the pups can get to her in time to be saved, and for people to make better pet choices in the future.
"If you need a friend, go to the shelter, adopt a dog or cat," she said. "They're going to be happy in your home and they don't have to live in a cage."
To see a complete list of animals statues. for the state of Oklahoma, you can check out Title 4 at http://www.oklegislature.gov/osstatuestitle.html.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
