Coyotes

Many times I walk where the coyotes roam. I see them nightly on the paths in town. The snow allows for me to see where they’ve been and how recently they’ve travelled by. They often mark their trails, and the piles of poop will indicate time of passing as well.

If you zoom way up on this photo, you will see tracks beside the creek. There is a lot of them that use this area as a highway of sorts. I prefer to have a terrier with me, where I can, when I’m in places that they frequent. The terriers are excellent at telling me when larger wildlife is around, or if something has crossed the path ahead of us. It’s a subtle change in body language, air scenting and interest. It is much different “language” from finding rabbits, skunks or other animals that they would view as prey. And when we see one, they are typically quiet and thoughtful, rather than aggressively trying to “hunt” it. They are forward, but not stupidly so. There seems to be a healthy respect towards these creatures from the little dogs when the coyotes are around. If they sense one while we are out walking, we typically go a different way. I don’t take chances. But if the tracks are at least 24hrs old, I will take a terrier and track where they’ve been, for my own knowledge, and for her enjoyment.

It’s interesting to see how their movement and frequency has changed over the years. Never in my life have I seen so many. We would hear them in the fields surrounding town, but they didn’t venture in. They are close and living amongst us now. Building has pushed them in. Care should be taken, especially during mating season, but more often than not, they show only fleeting interest, and move on quickly when we meet. Though, I do know of people and dogs who’ve been chased or cornered.

You need to be aware if you walk the woodlots, ponds or creeks, that they could be close. A good hunting dog will tell you so, and using common sense will keep you and your good hunting dog out of trouble when it comes to coyotes. Respect them. Please don’t ever feed them. Maintain distance and be aware of your surroundings.