"WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE"

Coyote (4 Photos)

Coyotes are one of my favourite mammals to photograph. This young coyote offered some brief opportunities before disappearing into the frozen marshland and continuing on its pursuit of prey.

Thankfully, I have had longer sessions, particularly when a coyote has been diving repeatedly into the snow for voles but generally like other friends who are wildlife photographers, the camera doesn't have time to focus before the coyote moves off quickly into the distant landscape.

From my experience, where coyotes have appeared occasionally to linger a little longer in an area or have been drawn in a little closer, there has been a dog walker with a small dog which has been barking rapidly & excitedly, usually accompanied by erratic movements. I can only surmise that this type of behaviour can mimic a small animal in the wild in distress, which to any predator is a signal to take note as injured prey may be close by.  (I would add here that the behaviour from the little dog is usually caused by my walking past.)

I am an avid dog lover and luckily have never witnessed any direct confrontations between a coyote and a dog on a walk. However, as we are walking in parks, etc. where coyotes roam and do call their home, that we remember to keep our dogs on leads in those on-leash areas and in those off-leash areas, be aware of coyotes who may be following their hunting routes. (Bobcats are also now being sighted more frequently in these areas.)

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4