February 9, 2015 – Carrollton, Texas

We observed this stalwart Coyote a few days ago during our morning commute. The Coyote was crossing a large open field, and was making his way almost directly toward us and the heavily trafficked road we were stopped on.

Coyote - A Brief Encounter
An early morning Coyote sighting in Carrollton, Texas

Thoroughfares and fast moving automobiles are some of most daunting challenges faced by wildlife living in our urban environments. Nature has not equipped its creatures well to deal with these hazards, but some of our more adaptable animals are still able to find a way. This Coyote, in particular, seems to have it figured out—at least to a degree.

Coyote - A Brief Encounter
Using the tall grass as cover, the Coyote managed to go unseen by the nearby rush hour commuters.
Coyote - A Brief Encounter
The Coyote appeared to healthy and fit, but a close examination of some of our photographs may reveal a sizable wound just behind his right front leg. Here is a close up so you can judge for yourself. Whatever the case, the injury—if it is one—did not seem to be bothering the Coyote in a noticeable way.

On the opposite side of this road is a large, undeveloped greenbelt. There, a flowing creek winds through a modest valley and brings a nice riparian and upland forest along with it. Acres of pastureland create a buffer between the roads and the woods. This area was likely the Coyote’s target destination—returning home after a long night carousing in a small Carrollton business park.

Coyote - A Brief Encounter
What must go through the mind of such and animal?
Coyote - A Brief Encounter
Look at that exquisite camouflage.

As the Coyote approached the roadside, he paused briefly to size up the situation. After watching several cars go by, the bold canine stretched indulgently, and then lay, down almost disappearing in the coyote-colored grass. He was obviously settling in for the long haul. Maybe the Coyote has been in this situation before. I suspect that he knows that if he waits long enough the rush hour traffic will dissipate and crossing the road will be decidedly easier.

Coyote - A Brief Encounter
Few—if any—of the commuters noticed the Coyote as he stood just a few yards from the road.
Coyote - A Brief Encounter
Watching the cars go by.

Lighter traffic will almost certainly give this Coyote the chance he needs to get across the road, but a safe outcome is not guaranteed. Fewer cars can create a situation where the danger faced is not quite as obvious as it would be otherwise. If the Coyote misjudges an approaching car’s speed or gets confused by two automobiles closing from opposite directions, tragedy can result.

Let’s hope this fellow made it back to his destination unscathed!

Coyote - A Brief Encounter
Patiently waiting for an opportunity to cross.

6 Replies to “Coyote – A Brief Encounter”

  1. There is a large population of coyotes living in the woods on the south side of DFW airport. I frequently see them at night, coming and going from the apartment complexes that border the airport grounds. They’re drawn to the substantial number of raccoons that enjoy dumpster diving in the apartment complexes.

    1. Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores and feed on many different things. There are even certain times of the year when they will feed primarily on insects (grasshoppers) or vegetation (locust or mesquite beans). An adult Raccoon would be a tough takedown for a lone Coyote, but you never know!

  2. Wild animals have been forced to adapt to the huge increase in numbers of humans and the taking over of open spaces by “development.”
    Encounters between humans and animals are increasing and some will not have happy endings for the people involved. Especially children and their pets.
    Huge change since my youth.

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