In August 2025, police officers in Springville, Alabama, rescued a young coyote that had become stuck in the crevice of a crepe myrtle tree
. The rescue was captured on video and widely shared on social media, showcasing the officers’ compassion for the wild animal.
Details of the rescue:
- The situation: A concerned homeowner called the Springville Police Department after discovering the young coyote with its leg pinned in a forked tree trunk. The frightened and barking animal was trapped and unable to free itself.
- The officers: Officers Maggie Milazzo and Jeff King responded to the unusual call. They were assisted by Officer Andrew Tipton, who recorded the event while watching out for his fellow officers.
- The rescue: Milazzo and King worked to pry the trunk of the tree apart to widen the gap. They eventually used a shovel to gain enough leverage to free the coyote’s leg.
- The outcome: Once free, the uninjured coyote ran off into the nearby woods. The incident drew praise from the community and Chief Wayne Walton, who said he was “so very proud” of his officers’ actions.
