My encounters with this elusive and intelligent canine date back many years, both in the Midwest and California. Almost exclusively a nocturnal animal, they can be seen just before the sun sets, and when you least expect them, they will appear.
Tonight was such an experience. It was just past 11:00 PM when I drove up and to my surprise, a full size coyote of 40 plus pounds was on the front lawn! Healthy and stealthy he slipped off into the darkness as I said “hello”.
He had vanished within seconds.
They are all business and to other wildlife with few exceptions, the (Canis latrans) is quite dangerous.
Coyotes have on occasion engaged with domestic dogs of similar and larger size, to the extent that they played and enjoyed a canine chat of sorts usually during the night when possible.
Imagine the surprise of many a dog owner to discover their dog playing with a full sized coyote! But not to worry when your dog is able bodied and large enough.
The coyote is a very social animal that way.
On a particular dreamy and mystical night in Joshua Tree, I found myself with companion carefully driving through the park on a two lane road, with absolutely no artificial lights for over a dozen miles, when a female coyote appeared on the side of the road. We rolled up quietly to her pace as she trotted along side us on the shoulder.
We were surrounded by a pure desert environment in total darkness. Many species of beautiful cacti, Joshua trees, scorpions and tarantulas and Mohave rattlesnakes to name a few, along with the solitary and rare Cougar out stalking in the night.
And there she was, so innocent looking just about 10 feet outside our passenger window. That is when my friend in her sad tone said: “oh, she’s alone and so small”. Mind you the coyote was very healthy and about 30 pounds.
We both stopped and the innocent faced coyote looked over at us when I said: “are you okay little baby?”. Of course she was and she smiled at us and in a flash trotted into the desert darkness, creatures and all. Looking for her dinner or boyfriend.
It was funny and very sweet to meet in such a close, calm encounter with a wild coyote. She never felt threatened and was just enjoying her stroll in the desert, the star filled skies above, watching over her. And the entire planet.
I enjoyed spirt of the Coyote.