"THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE"

Coyote

This probably won't be an all time favourite of the photos I have taken of coyotes but I thought its sighting might help demonstrate why the rule of "All Dogs Must be Leashed" exists in Alberta's Provincial Parks.

It was 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon and I was sitting on the other side of the creek, (right of the coyote)  not much more than 60 yards away as the coyote took a route through the shrubbery and thicket and then south, following a path through the densest part of the grasses near the creek. 

I would have preferred a straight ahead look from the coyote but I think it was keeping its eyes on the snowy path to its left. The wind was coming towards the coyote and me and because I was motionless & silent, it didn't even glance my way. And it was on a mission by the amount of ground it was covering with that effortless trot, probably back home.

Not more than 15 minutes earlier from the appearance of the coyote and then not more than 10 minutes after it had moved on,  there were individuals walking with children and dogs and some individuals walking just with dogs on that used snowy path.  At least one set had their dog off leash. No one had spotted it and the dogs were totally unaware.

The coyote, however, was taking the "high ground" and was keeping an eye out in order to avoid any confrontations. There was never a second where it showed any intent other than heading home.

A few seconds either way and there may have been an "incident", with off leash dogs and in no way, would it have been the fault of the coyote. This is its home. We are only visitors in these parks and that includes pets. 

For the safety of the dogs, people and the coyote, please keep your dogs on leash when visiting the parks. It's not a matter of following the rules, it is respecting the wildlife in their natural environment so that we may all enjoy Nature.