Urban Coyotes Have Lives

text and photos by Janet Kessler

Coyotes are moving into urban areas. They are bridging the seeming contradiction between urban and wild — and in so doing, they are creating a much more balanced ecosystem for us all. What a thrill if you encounter one!

I want to share some of my observations, to let everyone know about some of their many different behaviors — behaviors which most of us don’t see — and to show how similar in many ways they are to us. We are all critters on this earth with very similar feelings and needs going on — this is the connection.

I observe coyotes as individuals. WHO are they? They are native only to the Americas. Your average little coyote is cunning, intelligent, curious, playful, protective, adventurous, independent, self- reliant, self-sufficient, has family values, a frontier spirit and strong individuality. Hey, aren‘t these the same rugged characteristics in which we ourselves take pride?

They also exhibit some “softer” characteristics such as affection, care, happiness, patience, timidity, dejection. Included in this article are some photos showing fun things about coyotes to help everyone get in touch again and feel connected to the wilderness in our midst and our own human natures.

Although they can be fierce fighters, coyotes are, generally speaking, far less dangerous than dogs. For perspective, in any given year there are only about 27 coyote bites in the entire United States. The bites rarely cause severe injury because of the coyote’s small size. In comparison, more than 1,000 dog bites send people to hospital emergency rooms daily. Coyote reputations should be brought in line with reality.

Coyotes are fascinated by activity, especially that 

of dogs, and may spend hours observing them.

Barking in distress after being chased by dogs is 

not the same as joyful howling.

-Sources:

http://www.wildcarebayarea.org/site/PageServer?pagename=eNews_February2011_landingpage#coyote

http://coyoteyipps.com/2010/01/05/coyotes-yipping-coyote-behavior/

http://coyoteyipps.com/words-about-my-coyote-yipps-blog/

http://coyoteyipps.com/contents-in-topic-groupings/

While the wolf declined, its cousin, the coyote managed to thrive, spreading his joyful song beyond the old possibilities and patterns, right into the noise of the urban world.