A Coyote HuntsA coyote hunts along the edge of a frozen pond. (Photo David A. Murray)

The coyote is unequalled as a survivor. Its natural predators include such formidable critters as the grizzly bear, gray wolf, and mountain lion. However, the most deadly of its predators are humans; people have shot them from airplanes, trapped, snared, and poisoned them. The federal and state governments have spent millions of dollars of taxpayer's money to eradicate the coyote. In 1989 alone, hunters, paid by the government, killed 86,502 coyotes.

Unfortunately, with large government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal Control Branch (ADC), many animal control programs have had horrifying results. A case in point was an all out chemical warfare on the coyote back in 1962. The ADC sought to save a proportionately small amount of cattle and sheep and in the process reportedly killed 200,000 predators, including badgers, opossums, skunks, black bears, mountain lions, and yes, some coyotes. However, unbelievably, the coyote population thrives. Even in the areas of heavy coyote harvesting, the population has maintained its numbers and in many other areas, the population continues to increase. The coyote, Canis latrans or "barking dog," is truly a survivor of unparalleled proportions.

The coyote's survival is largely due to human intervention in the natural cycle of predation. The human war against predators such as, the grizzly bear, gray wolf, and mountain lion, have unfortunately been much more successful than the attack on the coyote. Altering, or eliminating, these natural predator populations, has destroyed the natural balance. The coyote is one of the most adaptable opportunists in the animal kingdom. Without predators to keep its population and territory in-check, the coyote thrives - everywhere. Reports indicate that over 4,000 coyotes permanently reside in Los Angeles! In these city and urban environments, domestic cats have become a staple food source in the coyote's diet. Every place that humans have eradicated large predators such as grizzlies, wolves, and mountain lions, the coyote fills the void.

The coyote is by no means a large and powerful predator. The average coyote is about two feet at the shoulder and about four feet in length, from the nose to the tip of the tail. Average weight varies from 30 pounds up to 50 pounds, with the largest known coyote weighing 70 pounds. The predominant color of their coat is a grizzled gray and rusty brown. Its tail is very bushy and has a black tip on the end. The coyote carries its tail in a downward position, unlike domestic dogs that carry their tails up or wolves that carry their tails straight out. One of the coyote's best weapons is its speed. This is the fastest of the canids, often reaching speeds of 40 miles per hour. This tremendous speed allows for rabbits, birds, squirrels, and gophers to be a major part of the diet. However, as mentioned, the coyote is an opportunist, and any small mammals, as well as frogs, snakes, mice, carrion, and even fruit, are all valuable parts of the diet. In the winter, coyotes frequent the deeryards. As the snow depths reach over two feet, white-tailed deer have difficulty moving around as their pointed hoofs drill their legs into the snow. The much lighter coyote can walk on the snow layer's upper crust, and deer predation is high during this time of year.

Photographing the coyote, in the wild, is no easy task. The coyote's amazing ability to survive is no accident. In fact, even with this large population, a coyote sighting is a rarity. The exception to this will be some of the large National Parks such as Yellowstone, where generations of coyotes received protection and the fear of humans doesn't exist. Aside from places like this, opportunities to photograph in the wild will take lots of work and planning.

Winter offers the best opportunities, with snow providing the advantage of easily identifiable tracks and other signs. Find frequently used game trails and you'll find coyote tracks. Utilize snowshoes, when the snow gets deep, and hike into cedar bogs or other thick areas that support winter deeryards and coyote activity will be everywhere.

Once you've located the coyote's range, you can begin the hunt. Set-up a blind or dress in winter camouflage and use a cover scent. Position yourself off the game trails, but where you will have good visibility. Along the game trail, you can add attracting scents if you like, for example, fox urine will stop a coyote in its tracks; it will need to sniff and mark the spot with its own scent. Be sure to mark the spot of your attracting scent, because that's where your photo opportunity will take place. You can also call the coyote in with a game call. Early morning and later afternoon will produce the best opportunities. Dress warmly so you can sit still for an extended period, the coyote will notice any movement immediately. Set-up the camera and pre-focus your longest telephoto lens to the location of the applied scent, or in the anticipated travel direction based on where you've positioned the game call. Constantly scan the area for any movement. Stay alert and be ready to photograph. When the action starts, it will be fast and brief. However, with a little luck, you'll come away with some nice images of the master of survival.

Good shooting!

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