COYOTES

     Coyotes are very much a part of the local wildlife here. My neighbour farmers have to be vigilant against predation but I enjoy hearing their howling in a pack and to see the record of their activities in the snow. When walking my collie in the back fields and woods I am amazed at the many fresh criss-crossing tracks. Yet I have never once spotted one while walking. Fast glimpses while driving of furtive coyotes going about their business is the best I've been able to do. Undoubtably coyote eyes watch us as we invade their territory.
    They are handsome animals in their winter coats. Intelligent and social with many of the same habits as domestic dogs, the tracks tell the story of their travels, of their meeting fellow coyotes and of the inevitable urine marking on a mound of snow. My little Border Collie thoroughly sniffs the site and leaves her own mark.

photo:  On our morning walk we followed this particular track for a considerable distance before the coyote veered off into the woods after meeting its friends. The snow is from the only heavy snowfall that we have had during this mild winter.