Woodland Coyote at the edge of a forest – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited or called in
While I photographed hummingbirds last week high in the Wasatch Mountains I also took images of an adult male woodland Coyote watching me watching him.
This isn’t the first time I’ve seen two Coyotes walking this same path at the edge of a small aspen forest this year and it probably won’t be the last. I saw some Coyotes wandering in the same area last year too. It seems to be a favorite trail for them.
It was the first time I saw the Coyotes there pee like a male dog by lifting their hind legs. I was only able to get a photo of one male relieving himself in this manner. Both Coyotes piddled on this same tree though. In this photo the raised back leg can be seen by some saplings.
The intense stare of this Coyote was what appealed to me in this photo and it is the reason I wanted to share this image. Intellectually I know that the Coyote is a wild animal but my German Shepherd, Dutchess, used to look at me the same way when she was still with me.
Coyotes have been relentlessly persecuted by man for more than a hundred years for simply doing what coyotes do as apex predators. Instead of disappearing Coyotes have persisted, thrived and expanded their range.
I hope that when a Coyote looks into my eyes that it sees I mean them no harm. Because I don’t. I respect, admire and treasure each and every interaction I have with them. Why wouldn’t I?
Besides, I’d much rather watch a Coyote than most of the news.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Coyote photos plus facts and information about this species.
Nice shot. He’s certainly trying to figure you out isn’t he? Thanks Mia.
Love the coyote shot. Hopefully we will see more of them this summer because I couldn’t agree more about preferring them to the news.
Add me to the loooong list of people who would rather see a coyote (which I won’t) than the news.
I agree 100% with: “Besides, I’d much rather watch a Coyote than most of the news.” I’d rather watch paint dry than most of the news! However, I have this wonderful coyote to look at — and I’m grateful.
Nice picture of the Coyote staring at you. Have Coyotes in the area I live. I don’t see them very often, but hear them when close to the mountains at night. Beautiful creatures.
“Besides, I’d much rather watch a Coyote than most of the news.” Woman, I’m with you!!! Love your shot!
Unfortunately, our 9 years of hearing, but rarely seeing Eastern Coyotes (Coywolves) have now locally gone silent. I/we have not heard gun shots. Other dire consequences?
We do have a resident Gray Fox and two years ago a starving Red Fox. At least we do have some wildlife around us, but wish we had more!
Many thanks for sharing.