A kind-hearted resident of Bartlett, Illinois, with a sharp eye, noticed an adorable puppy on the side of a busy road last week and brought it to the village police department.

>> Read more trending news

Bartlett police were smitten, as well, which was apparent in a tweet the department sent out.

“He was quite the attraction at the PD,” the department said.

The only thing … the puppy wasn’t a dog at all.

"Actually, the puppy turned out to be a coyote!" Bartlett PD said.

Officers took the baby coyote to the Willowbrook Wildlife Center.

The puppy was dehydrated, but had no other injuries, according to WMAQ-TV.

"If she progresses nicely and we don't find any other issues over the week, we will most likely transfer her to another rehabber who has young pups close to her size," Willowbrook officials told WMAQ.

The center doesn’t have any other coyotes in its care right now.

About the Author

Featured

Public Service Commission candidate Peter Hubbard gets a hug from Brionté McCorkle, executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters, during an election-night party in Southwest Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.  (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray for the AJC