The Coyote!

The coyotes were yipping away several times last night. Like many mammals, coyotes gather together and run in "packs" during the winter months. I have seven as many as seven at a time here at The Azure Gate. We had guests about two weeks ago that were thrilled because they saw five one morning. We also hear them - the coyotes, not the guests - yipping more in the winter as well. This particular photo is a favorite of mine. I really like the coloration and the fullness of his coat. Almost looks like he has a little wolf in him. The paws aren't big enough though. That's creosote in the background. Coyotes are amazingly resilient animals. They were killed by the thousands during the early 20th century. Now, they exist in just about every climate, every elevation, and every part of the US and Canada. I have photographed them at 10,000 feet and at sea level; snow covered mountains and desert; 110 degrees and minus 10 degrees; extreme wilderness and in towns. To me, the stories of the scraggly looking coyote are merely for fiction. They are truly beautiful animals. Here's one to prove it.