An orphaned kitten has captured hearts after surviving a coyote attack and being found by a family picking out their Christmas tree.
Dubbed Evergreen, the kitten's remarkable story took place in a Christmas tree lot in Valley Center, California, where she was discovered by Helen Woodward Animal Center's Medical Director, Dr. Alexis Siler, and her family while they were selecting a tree.
Workers at the lot had noticed a mother cat and her kittens roaming the grounds in mid-November but had been unable to capture them for help.
At night, cries of coyotes left everyone concerned for the young cat family, and tragically one night a member of staff recalled hearing the anguished cries of the cats.
Their worst fears were confirmed when the mother and her kittens were killed, leaving only Evergreen unaccounted for.
But on November 29, Siler and her children visited the lot to pick out their holiday tree, and when a lot employee helped them pull their chosen tree from its place, they heard a small "meow."
Beneath the tree's lowest branches was a frail, malnourished kitten clinging to life. Evergreen had miraculously survived the coyote attack and was hiding under the tree.
The animal center team jumped into action. The kitten was suffering from intestinal parasites and malnutrition and needed fast medical care.
Before long, she was looking much better and giving those around her "nuzzles of gratitude," "little mews" and "head butts," according to the Helen Woodward Animal Center.
Evergreen's story isn't rare. In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, up 4 percent compared to 2022. At the end of 2023, an additional 117,000 dogs and cats were in the sheltering system compared to the previous year.
Around 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2023, a rise of 15 percent when compared to 2022. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.
Today, thanks to the help of the team at Helen Woodward Animal Center, Evergreen's future looks bright.
She is thriving in a foster home, where she has bonded deeply with the family's pet dog. Though still gaining weight and receiving treatment, she has learned to play and cuddle. She will be available for adoption in the New Year.
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