Coyote Encounters Part I
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Several years ago, I was running through the woods behind the Kent State Campus next to the fairgrounds. I have run the course many dozens of times. This particular day, however, held an unusual surprise. As I was running along the thickly wooded section of the path, I rounded a bend and was met by four long-legged, tawny canines. They were no more than 15 feet away. We stared at each other for several seconds. It was only a short encounter, then they bounded away. But I have never forgotten their faces and the four pairs of eyes that met mine that day. No snarls, no evil eyes. Just beautiful wild dogs out on a hunt or perhaps a morning stroll.
There have been many coyote sightings and many more coyote howls heard throughout Geauga County. I thought it might be interesting to learn a bit more about them and their way of life.
- The scientific name for coyote is Canis latrans, which means barking dog in Latin. The name coyote comes from the Aztec word coyotl.
- Coyote parents may supply live mice to their pups for hunting practice.
- Coyotes are native only to North America.
- When coyotes are about two years old, they select a mate and stay with that mate for life.
- The coyote’s keen intelligence and senses help it adapt to many different habitats. It is even seen many times in the city.
- Coyotes communicate in a variety of ways including barking, growling and howling, and often howl in chorus. They also communicate with body language and through scent.
- Coyotes are frequently killed when caught in cities rather than being released into the wild.
- When hunting, coyotes sometimes pursue prey in relays, enabling packs to run down animals that could escape a single coyote. The list of prey able to escape a coyote is short – this is due to the fact that these animals can run in bursts as fast as 40 miles per hour and they also can jump over a 8′ fence. These animals can also travel up to 400 miles at a stretch, stopping only occasionally to howl for news.
Stay tuned for Part II tomorrow!
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About the Author
Patty Arnold Patty is the editor for Little Acorn Media publications and is the primary copywriter of Meet Your Merchant features. She also writes blog content and does copywriting for tEkk3, a web development and marketing firm that provides a wide range of solutions for small businesses all over the USA. Patty is an avid pursuer of health and fitness, loves animals, organic gardening, the outdoors, and enjoys making and selling her art and crafts online at Dogbarks, Catcalls, and Mewmart.
We heard them 1/9/12 in Newbury 10pm when there was a full moon