Video: Coyote Pulled Out Of East River On UES: NYPD

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — A wild coyote was the focus of a dramatic river rescue Monday afternoon, according to police and reports.

Officer from the 19th Precinct got a call about a "dog" fighting for its life in the East River on Monday at around 2:15 p.m. near East 96th Street, police said.

Turns out, the strange looking dog was actually a coyote struggling to swim.

Coyotes are common in NYC, but one swimming in the East River is not!

Our officers responded to a call of a distressed “dog” battling river currents, but realized it was actually a coyote! Thanks to NYPD Harbor for coming to the rescue — he’s now in the care of veterinarians. pic.twitter.com/6t4TCUWlL7
— NYPD 19th Precinct (@NYPD19Pct) April 10, 2023

While most New Yorkers know not to go for a dip in the East River, a waterway with notoriously strong currents and a lack of natural shoreline, this poor canine had to learn the lesson the hard way.

Officers from the 19th Precinct called in support from the NYPD Harbor Division, who quickly took a police boat to the helpless animal and pulled it aboard from the cold waters along the Upper East Side.

The coyote is now in the care of veterinarians, officials said.

While the dog-adjacent animals are known to have a presence across the five boroughs, most are usually spotted on land.

A police spokesperson told Patch that there doesn't seem to be any foul play in connection to the swim and it's unclear where the poor pup entered the water.