SoCal neighborhood searching for viral, deformed coyote named ‘Wendy’

A coyote with a shocking growth covering part of her face has become the latest four-legged celebrity to capture the internet’s attention.

The predator, dubbed “Wendy” by locals and “Sunshine” by the East Valley Animal Shelter, has reportedly been roaming Studio City for more than a year with what appears to be a large abscess or growth stretching from her left eye toward the end of her snout.

And she’s not the only bizarre-looking backyard visitor making headlines.

The animal’s plight comes just as another seriously deformed critter known as “Jimothy” became an online sensation after turning up in Seattle. The raccoon’s truncated-looking backbone gives him an almost otherworldly appearance, prompting residents to track his movements through backyards and balconies and share sightings online.

Now Wendy is getting her own fan club: Except her followers aren’t just looking for the next viral video — they desperately want to get her medical help.

Wildlife Care of Southern California has spent the past four weeks trying to locate and safely capture the coyote. Photos of the coyote show an alarming mass protruding across the left side of her face, but rescuers say there are some encouraging signs.

“Her activity level and body condition are really good — all positive signs,” the group told KTLA.

Still, they won’t know exactly what they’re dealing with until Wendy is captured and examined by a veterinarian, who will also perform X-rays to determine the extent of the growth and her prognosis.

The organization is urging Studio City residents to keep an eye out and contact them if they spot her, while warning people not to attempt to capture or approach the animal themselves.

Social media users have reacted with a mixture of shock, sympathy and the kind of jokes that only the internet could produce.

“He got beat up by an orange cat,” one person quipped.

“Wow I thought I was looking at a moose for a moment,” another wrote.

Someone else blamed the Road Runner, joking that the coyote had been “hit with an anvil.”

But beneath the wisecracks, many commenters expressed genuine concern for the animal and frustration that she has apparently been suffering for so long. Wildlife Care of Southern California said it has been working with community members to locate Wendy and get her into care.

“We will not give up until we have her!” the organization told the outlet. “Thank you, Studio City, for caring about this girl!”

The group is also asking for donations to help cover specialized equipment it has already purchased, as well as the veterinary bills expected once Wendy is captured.

Although Wildlife Care of Southern California is permitted at the state and federal levels to treat injured wildlife, the organization receives no government funding and relies on donations to keep its rescue operations going.

For now, Wendy remains on the loose, looking rough, staying active and apparently continuing to make the rounds for her Studio City fan base.

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