Jawless Jerry: Tacoma’s Resilient Coyote Captures Hearts Despite Challenges
In Tacoma, Washington, locals have affectionately dubbed a disfigured yet hardy coyote as “Jawless Jerry.” The coyote, often spotted throughout 2023 with its entire snout and upper jaw missing, initially elicits horror upon first sight. Despite its seemingly insurmountable challenges, this resilient creature has become a local sensation, sparking both admiration and controversy.
Wildlife ecologist Laura Prugh, currently studying Seattle coyotes at the University of Washington, expressed her initial shock, stating, “I was afraid I was gonna have nightmares that night. It’s really bizarre.” Having encountered various coyotes with disabilities, Prugh had never witnessed anything as terrifying and perplexing as “Jawless Jerry.” The coyote has survived for months without a nose to sniff out prey and only half a set of teeth for eating.
Prugh noted the adaptability and resilience of coyotes but admitted her surprise at the creature’s ability to thrive despite its disfigurement. Other researchers studying coyotes in Chicago mentioned that such occurrences happen “from time to time.”
In recent months, “Jawless Jerry” has become the subject of newspaper op-eds, faced allegations of pet killings, and even prompted calls for euthanasia. However, some Tacomans have developed a fondness for the coyote, describing it as “thriving” and showcasing its survival instincts in various TikTok and Instagram videos.
Grit City Magazine, a local outlet, revealed that motion-sensor camera footage identified “Jawless Jerry” as female. The magazine’s staff has become some of the coyote’s biggest fans, selling merchandise with the slogan “LONG LIVE JAWLESS JERRY” to support wildlife rehab centers. They donated 10% of the proceeds to these centers.
Scott Sherman, a local photographer, expressed admiration for the coyote’s resilience in a TikTok video, capturing the attention of many Tacomans. Grit City Magazine artist Nina Hartman created endearing drawings of “Jerry” for shirts and stickers, emphasizing the creature’s representation of Tacoma’s scrappiness and grittiness.
Despite public attempts to intervene and place “Jawless Jerry” in wildlife rehab centers, the Department of Fish and Wildlife has deemed such a move too stressful for the coyote. They have decided to let “Jawless Jerry” continue to roam freely, becoming an unexpected symbol of tenacity and community pride in Tacoma.
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