Beatrice — a beloved coyote who loved frozen bananas — dies at age 17, NC park says
Beatrice — a playful coyote with a love for frozen bananas — died after years of delighting visitors at a North Carolina nature park.
The beloved animal, also known as Bea, was found orphaned as a 2-week-old pup in 2006. At the time, she was rescued and taken to the Western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville, the zoo wrote on its website and Facebook page.
“When Bea arrived at the Nature Center, her eyes were not even open yet,” officials wrote. “Since she was so young when her mother died, she never learned survival skills and does not fear humans.”
But recently, Bea had been receiving veterinary care. She was diagnosed with a tumor and died at age 17, wildlife officials wrote July 26 in a Facebook post.
“She lived a long life and was well loved by guests and her keepers,” the wildlife park said. “We will miss her.”
Bea had been at the park for almost two decades, ever since it gave a second chance to her and her brother, Barney. He was 15 years old when he died in 2021, McClatchy News reported.
Over the years, Bea became known for interacting with staff and enjoying cold treats.
“In the mornings, she can be seen playing, and she loves pieces of frozen banana as enrichment,” the zoo wrote on its website.
While the nature center is in the North Carolina mountains, wild coyotes can be found throughout the state. They have adapted to a variety of habitats, ranging from forests to suburban areas, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
Baby coyotes often come out of their dens after three weeks and are weaned from their moms after about five to seven weeks. Though the animals typically live up to six years, they can get older, experts said.
This story was originally published July 26, 2023 at 3:28 PM with the headline "Beatrice — a beloved coyote who loved frozen bananas — dies at age 17, NC park says."
