Tortured coyote pup found last summer in Santa Maria, released back into the wild

CALIFORNIA -- The abused baby coyote rescued last summer in Santa Maria is now living back in the wild. It was released Sunday after months of recuperation.

The pup was found by a plumber in an alleyway back in late July according the Animal Rescue Team in Solvang. Electrical cord was wrapped tightly around the animal's neck and arms and it's believed the coyote was tortured with an electrical shock.

It underwent surgery in August to fix a fractured and infected jaw.

On Sunday, Sierra—as the pup was called by its rescuers—was released along with another coyote at a private ranch in Santa Barbara County.

Julia Di Sieno is the executive director of the rescue team. She says the recent rains aided in the release.

"We kept him a little longer, which cost us a lot more in funding," said Di Sieno. "But, it was worth it because now they have water pools and lots of greenery out there."

(KCBX - Dec 22, 2014)