The officer carefully lifted the possum and held it close, watching as the coyote reluctantly followed. The creature’s gaze was fixated on its tiny companion, every muscle in its body tense with anxiety. It was clear that the coyote had taken on the role of protector—an unlikely guardian of a defenseless creature that might otherwise not have survived the night.
Inside the store, the staff quickly called wildlife experts, and the possum was taken into care for evaluation. It was in surprisingly good health despite its traumatic journey. The coyote, after being treated with care, was eventually released back into the wild, its mission complete.