Los Angeles locals are grieving after a beloved coyote was brutally shot in the head and had to be put to sleep.

The animal, known as Wendy, was euthanized after the bullet wounds caused a massive infection which destroyed much of her face.

Wendy was captured by non-profit Wildlife Care of Southern California last month after concerned Studio City residents noticed deformities growing on her face.

Scans revealed she had a shattered jaw bone and two pellets lodged in her head.

Wildlife Care of Southern California said in a Facebook post that a chronic infection 'had eaten away and broken all the bones from her left eye to the tip of her nose.'

Wendy also appeared to have been hit by a car which caused further damage. 

'She was unable to eat solid food, unable to breathe well, blind in one eye, couldn't hear from one ear, and was missing most of the bone from the whole left side of her face,' the post said.

'Surgery would have involved removing half of her face; this would be cruel to a wild animal and require long-term invasive and painful handling and treatment.

'For a wild coyote, this would have meant that she could never return to the life and freedom she deserved, even in a captive setting. This is no life for a 3-year-old coyote. 

Another organization, Southern California Pit Bull Rescue, is now offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Wendy's attacker. 

SoCal Pit Bull Rescue wrote: 'Despite everything she endured, Wendy fought to survive.

'She crossed streets, searched for food, and somehow kept going while carrying injuries no animal should ever have suffered.' 

The organization is now asking the public to help find the ruthless killer.

'We are asking you to come forward,' the post reads. 'Please share this post throughout Studio City and the surrounding communities. 

'Even the smallest piece of information could be the one that helps identify who did this.'

The organization's online community is crushed, with some offering to contribute to the reward fund. 

One heartbroken user commented under the post: 'My heart just broke when I saw what had actually happened to this beautiful girl.' 

Another devastated user wrote: 'Truly heartbreaking. I was so hopeful seeing her improve and the swelling reduce. 

'I hope you find the person responsible for harming her.'

Coyotes are the most persecuted wild carnivore in North America, according to Project Coyote.

They typically live between three to six years in the wild, but can expect a lifespan of up to 14 years in captivity. 

The State of California, Department of Fish and Wildlife, people with a hunting license and a legal place to hunt can hunt them.

Studio City is a neighborhood within the City of Los Angeles. It is illegal to discharge a firearm, pellet gun, or other weapons within Los Angeles city limits, according to the department's website.