I am so very sad to report that our coyotes are getting killed right and left. It seems that we lost three just this week – most likely the three that I photographed a few weeks ago. One whole family gone.
This is a story that I just haven’t been able to face or to write about.
One day I went out into the valley, very sad about something that had happened and so quiet and lonely. I passed by a bull elk carcass and a bison carcass and continued on until seeing a coyote trying to run through deep snow. It was early morning and I was alone.
The coyote stopped and it howled and howled – its howls echoing off of rock walls, up and down the valley. I thought to myself – it lost its mate. We have another dead coyote somewhere.
It was not until the following day that I discovered that dead coyote, possibly hit by a car or shot by a poacher. I nearly cried at our loss and the loss that its family suffered. Now, it seems, that the whole family is gone.
I love the song dogs and too many have been hit and killed by speeding automobiles. And, too many have been killed by wolves this year. One of the things I don’t like about the wolves is the killing of the coyotes – it is nature but hard to take. The coyotes have such personalities and are so fun to watch when they start interacting with one another.
Well, now I believe we won’t be seeing many in Lamar this year. And, I fear that those we do see will den and their pups will be killed. It is all about survival and those wolves will do whatever it takes to survive. I admire their determination and their no nonsense, honest way of living. Just wish it did not affect the yotes.
Meanwhile, we have had some great eagle action on the coyote carcasses. Yes, carcasses. There is another one dead now, not far from where this one was. We have golden and bald eagles flying all about.
And, it is the eagles versus the magpies. The magpies are bold pests that are also to be admired.
And then some folks got too close and the eagle flew.
Yellowstone is a hard place. It is filled with wonder and beauty but also with death and destruction. This is not a fairy tale, it is real life.
Deby
How did I miss this one? Great photos of the eagle…I’m with you on the loss of the coyotes. Our population out here is thriving!
Beautiful eagle photos Deby! Before the wolves were reintroduced you could hear coyotes howling all of the time. Once the wolf population started to rise the coyotes were hit hard by an animal they had no experience with but coyotes being who they are, they learned to avoid wolves better and to even take advantage of the wolves’ kills. Maybe it is time for them to go back to coyote school? But it is also time for people to slow down in the park.
Great story Deby. We have been coming to Yellowstone since 2005 and we have noticed a dramatic decline in the coyote population and the fox as well. Sure wish something could be done about this but as you say in the case of the coyotes it is a natural happening between the wolves and coyotes.
This is so very heartbreaking to me…would the NPS possible look into what caused the death of these coyotes especially three of them…that seems like a lot to loose..this is really upsetting…Thank you Deby..