Recently, a homeowner in Illinois noticed a large gray-and-brown coyote pop out from under their shed. The onlooker watched as the wild animal repeatedly returned to a burrow beneath the small building, which seemed to be her home.

In need of expert help, the homeowner contacted D&K Pest Control and Wildlife Removal, a humane animal control company. Wildlife experts David Teitsort and Kyle Kilgore quickly headed over.

When Teitsort and Kilgore arrived, they approached the shed and looked underneath. There, hiding in the den, was the mama coyote and her eight pups.

“The den was located right next to the family’s children’s playground,” a representative from D&K Pest Control and Wildlife Removal told The Dodo. “That was one of the biggest concerns. While coyotes generally avoid people, a nursing mother can become defensive if she feels her pups are at risk — especially in close proximity to where children are playing.”

Rescuers knew that keeping the coyote family together and completing the rescue within one visit was critical. They set up fencing around the shed, constructed a humane live trap and lured the mama inside. Then they removed the floorboards and took each pup from the den by hand.

coyote in cage D&K Pest Control and Wildlife Removal

“The pups were very young — barely with their eyes open — so they remained mostly quiet and stayed in place,” a representative from D&K Pest Control and Wildlife Removal told The Dodo. “The mother was understandably cautious and protective. She moved back and forth under the shed and avoided the trap initially, which is typical behavior for coyotes.”

baby coyote D&K Pest Control and Wildlife Removal

With the whole family safely secured, rescuers began contacting wildlife rehabilitation groups. First, they tried Kane Area Rehabilitation and Education for Wildlife (KARE), with whom they work regularly. KARE was already dealing with a coyote case, so they referred rescuers to Oaken Acres Wildlife Center, who accepted the family.

Today, the coyotes are safe at Oaken Acres Wildlife Center, living peacefully in an isolated, natural environment. Once the pups are 4 to 5 months old, they’ll receive vaccinations and return with their mom to the wild.

mama coyote and pups D&K Pest Control and Wildlife Removal

Wildlife removal team members are so glad that this rescue has a happy ending.

“Rescues like this are the most rewarding part of our work,” the representative said. “Being able to protect both the family living there and the animals themselves — and give those pups a chance to grow and eventually return to the wild — is something we take a lot of pride in.”

To help other animals like these coyotes, you can donate to Oaken Acres Wildlife Center. Woman Hears 'Coyote' Outside — But Finds A Wide-Eyed Wild Baby InsteadWoman Hears ‘Coyote’ Outside — But Finds A Wide-Eyed Wild Baby Instead“He’s a spicy little guy!”