‘Pet' coyote caught, euthanized in Calvert County

Authorities caught and euthanized a coyote in Calvert County that was being kept as a pet.

Someone saw the coyote running loose with a leash Wednesday morning in the area of Neptune's restaurant in North Beach. An animal control officer managed to capture the coyote, which was wearing a blue collar. A resident later came forward and said he was the owner.

FOX 5's Lena Burns reached the owner by phone Thursday afternoon, but he did not want to speak on camera. He said the coyote named Sol was given to him as a pup. He said he thought Sol was part dog and part coyote, and stresses that the animal had all of its shots.

Due to the possible exposure of rabies, the coyote was humanely euthanized and sent to a lab for testing. Sol ended up testing negative.

It is illegal to own or possess a coyote in Maryland. The owner said he offered to take Sol out of state to avoid euthanization, but he was told that was not an option.

The Calvert County Sheriff's Office said no charges will be filed against the owner.