Firefighters in Cape Coral, Florida, got more than they bargained for during a Monday rescue call when the "stranded dog" they were rescuing turned out to actually be a young coyote.

Here's what happened: The Cape Coral Fire Department responded to reports of a dog trapped in a Britannia Lake canal. Engine 9 and Rescue 9 crews arrived to find a helpful local resident in a kayak who had been tracking the animal's movements and guided rescuers to a dock where it had taken shelter.

"Firefighters entered the water and were able to extract what turned out to be a coyote pup from the space," the Fire Department shared on social media. The exhausted young animal was too weak to be released back into the wild immediately.

The coyote pup was taken to East West Veterinary Care Center for initial treatment. Once stable, it will be moved to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, where it will recover until healthy enough for release.

The rescue highlighted community cooperation, as both the kayaker and a neighbor who had previously attempted to help the animal received Community Recognition Coins from the Fire Department for their efforts.

While coyote sightings have become increasingly common in Florida's urban areas, mistaking them for domestic dogs isn't unusual, especially with younger animals. Wildlife experts recommend maintaining distance and contacting professionals when animals appear to be in distress. They're all worth saving, but sometimes it's best left to the experts.