Across the street from our house is a big open field lined with trees and a small creek. In the last few weeks, two coyotes have moved in across the street. We were so surprised to hear them the first night that we went outside to figure out what it was. Was it a hurt dog? A lost dog? But the strange thing was, for the racket they were making, Emmett and Lucas didn’t even bat an eye. If the hear a dog barking, they’re all over it, but the coyotes… strangely, they ignored their calls.
A couple days later, the coyote was out during daylight. He’s (she’s?) a lot bigger than I would’ve guessed!
I did a little googling to learn more about our new neighbors, and I read on the Indiana DNR page that coyotes are thought to mate for life, they mate in February (when they made their first appearance), and have a litter of pups in April. At the far end of the field is a giant dirt mound, made by the construction that built these houses. Seems like the perfect place for coyotes to build a little den… I’m going to keep an eye out for the next couple months.
In the meantime, I’m also going to keep an eye on any little dog I’m dog sitting, like Otto or Stanley! They seem like they’d be the perfect snack-sized bites for our coyotes!
Ooh, those pictures are awesome!! I live in NC and we have coyotes all over now – from the mountains to the coast. Just this week they have been in the news because they are turning up in neighborhoods just north of our downtown. Our Mingus kind of looks like a coyote, so I’m sure he’s getting more than just a few raised eyebrows these days when we take him out for walks.
Wow! It’s sort of sad that they’re showing up in downtowns and neighborhoods, but I guess it’s an issue of us taking up all their space and their natural predators aren’t really around anymore? It’s funny – I knew coyotes were common in a lot of places, I just never thought Indiana was one of them! I’m keeping my camera at the ready, though, because if they truly are “denning” in our hill, I want to be ready to capture the pups (from afar with my zoom lens, of course).
Just an FYI, I DO NOT want anything for Christmas this year that has the words “Coyote Fur” in it. Unless it’s a hat. That would be kind a cool.
You should name them.
They are such beautiful creatures. Great photos!
I agree, Cate! And thank you! I’m keeping my camera nearby… hoping to snap some more pics, though I’ve only seen them in daylight that one time. They are absolutely gorgeous.
Great pictures. I’m a pet sitter too and hope you keep the little ones safe. Keep your camera ready for the pups. I looking forward to hearing more!