Coyote, Lamar Valley

Coyote, Lamar Valley

Before the wolf reintroduction became such a success, coyotes were the top dogs, literally and figuratively, in the Lamar Valley and much of the rest of Yellowstone. Now their numbers are fewer and they have had to find new hunting grounds. This coyote was "snow diving," hunting rodents by listening for them moving beneath the snow and then pouncing, snout-first, after them. Coyotes and foxes alike put on spectacular leaping shows as they hunt for their prey amid the winter snows. Yellowstone-- March 1999
Bob Sihler
on Mar 18, 2008 11:56 am
Image Type(s): Wildlife
Image ID: 389157

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Bob Sihler

Bob Sihler - Mar 27, 2008 12:15 am - Hasn't voted

Re: Nice capture

Thank you. It's probably not fun watching them pounce on you, though!

BobSmith

BobSmith - Oct 30, 2010 11:38 pm - Voted 10/10

Great shot.

We didn't see any coyotes when we were in Yellowstone, but we came really close to one walking around in a huge meadow in the Grand Tetons. He was curious (a young one, not much beyond being a pup) and after he ran off a way he crouched behind a low-growing evergreen and watched us. But he kept too much stuff between us for me to get any photos.

Bob Sihler

Bob Sihler - Oct 31, 2010 11:58 am - Hasn't voted

Re: Great shot.

It's getting a little harder to see them now because many have been driven into more remote areas by the wolves. I'd guess it's still not hard to find them near places like campgrounds where human activity keeps the wolves away. I'm glad you got to see one and hope you enjoyed all the wildlife on your trip out there. Are you addicted to the Rockies now?

BobSmith

BobSmith - Oct 31, 2010 2:47 pm - Voted 10/10

Re: Great shot.

"Are you addicted to the Rockies now?"

Definitely. Trying to decide where to go next year. I have a chance to visit the west coast in late May so I'm going to try to schedule a trip to some redwood/sequoia groves, plus we'll have a good shot at getting to Crater Lake NP. I will definitely do some hiking at Crater Lake if we can swing that trip.

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