Coyote with Paw stuck in a Tree didn’t Expect People to be so Kind
Last week, officers from Alabama’s Springville Police Department received an unusual call from a concerned homeowner — kicking off one of their most memorable animal rescues.
The homeowner had discovered a young coyote standing next to a tree in his yard.
Somehow, both the animal’s hind limbs had become stuck in a forked split in the tree’s narrow trunk.
The poor coyote was trapped — and understandably terrified when the officers arrived to help. Officers quickly freed one of the coyote’s paws from its wedged position in the tree, but the other couldn’t be lifted out so easily.
As the frightened animal looked on, barking in fear from having people so close, the officers tried several methods to widen the fork in the tree enough to allow his limb to slip out.
They were there to save his life — even if that was a fact the coyote was incapable of imagining.
Thankfully, the coyote appeared to be no worse for the wear after his harrowing ordeal, disappearing into the woods immediately after.
And though he may have been doubtful of their good intentions, the officers’ act of kindness prevailed.
6 Affordable Muscle Cars to Buy Before It’s Too Late
1973-74 Chevy Nova
First on the list is a car we’re very fond of, the “big bumper” Chevy Nova. The Nova is an undeniable legend in the muscle car scene, but the most desirable (and most expensive) examples are from 1972 and earlier. As Rare Cars points out, the ’73 and ’74 Nova had less aesthetically pleasing bumpers to comply with crash test regulations. However, he also notes that “underneath, they’re basically the exact same car” and correctly points out that there’s a wealth of restoration and performance parts available for the Nova.
1967-76 Dodge Dart
While many enthusiasts seek out the Charger and Challenger, Rare Cars says the Dodge Dart “has that classic Mopar attitude, just at a more entry-level price.” We couldn’t agree more. While the most desirable V8-equipped 1967-69 Darts are tough to find for less than $20k, six-cylinder cars from that era are plentiful and can easily be converted. On the other hand, a 1970-72 Dart with a 318ci V8 fits the budget nicely, and the 1973-76 cars are even cheaper.
1970-77 Ford Maverick
Rare Cars calls the Ford Maverick “one of the most slept-on classics on the market right now,” noting that even a clean small-bumper 1970-72 Maverick is attainable in this price range. While you may not find a V8 4-speed Maverick Grabber for less than $20k, V8-swapped cars are common. This body style has plenty of potential plus timeless good looks.
1971-74 AMC Javelin
The AMC Javelin isn’t a car you’ll see as often as the others on this list, but it’s certainly cool. A Javelin with a 304ci or 360ci V8 should be within this price range, offering solid performance and the capability for upgrades. However, Rare Cars correctly points out that restoration parts aren’t as easy to find for these cars due to their relative rarity these days. But if you’re determined and willing to do a little extra leg work, it’s a unique and rewarding muscle car platform.
1978-81 Camaro and Firebird
This one is also close to our heart. The second-gen Camaro is hugely popular, but most enthusiasts with deeper pockets will choose the early body style and more potent V8 that wasn’t hampered by emissions restrictions. The same can be said for its sibling the Firebird. Still, the later second-gen cars look great and have tons of restoration and performance parts availability. You can practically rebuild one from scratch with parts from our Classic Industries catalogs!
1972-76 Ford Torino
Here’s another car that could be categorized as an up-and-coming muscle car classic. The 1970-71 Ford Torino is sought out by enthusiasts, but the 1972 and later cars are often overlooked, especially non-Sportsroof bodystyles. The Torino’s long hood, “Coke bottle styling,” and V8 engine options (including the popular 302 and 351 Cleveland) make these very appealing. There’s also growing aftermarket and restoration parts support.
