Young Coyote snapping at a deer flyYoung Coyote snapping at a deer fly – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or called in

The other day while going through some of my older images I came across images of a young coyote that I had photographed on a hot day in August of 2013 and wanted to share a few more than I had posted back then. I am very fond of coyotes and will photograph them at every opportunity. I am fortunate because the coyotes on Antelope Island State Park and along the causeway to the island don’t get shot at like the coyotes elsewhere in Utah.

The young coyote above was snapping at an annoying deer fly that was about 6 inches from the tip of its nose. The deer flies are very aggravating and there are times I wish I could snap at them too.

Curious young CoyoteCurious young Coyote – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or called in

This young coyote was very curious about everything it seemed as it strolled along behind the adult it was following. It sniffed the ground and looked around a lot. It also seemed curious about the two people that were photographing it. Reminded me of my dogs at about the same age, always curious about the world around them.

Young Coyote on the moveYoung Coyote on the move – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or called in

The deer flies were unrelenting and chased after the coyote while others tried to bite me on my hands. In this frame you can see the deer fly to the left of the young coyote’s neck. They really are very annoying and some times it is best for the coyotes (and humans) to stay on the move.

Adult Coyote on the mudflatsAdult Coyote on the mudflats – Nikon D810, f8, 1/2000, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited or called in

Last month I photographed this coyote out on the mudflats and I recall wondering if it was the young coyote I photographed in August of 2013 all grown up. I’ll never know of course if this is the same coyote but I do enjoy thinking of the coyotes being safe, protected and free on Antelope Island State Park.

What I don’t like thinking about is how the coyotes in the rest of the state are killed for a bounty. The bounty program is needless, unscientific and cruel. I hope that one day soon we get a governor that cares more about the environment and nature than our current governor.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to view more of my Coyote photos plus facts and information about this species.