Coyotes at the park

Elsa and I head out to the park this morning; it's our favorite park where we meet a lot of friends.  She hasn't had a lot of exercise recently with her mouth thing so she needed to stretch her legs.   But...lately we've been dealing with coyotes at the park; or at least the threat of coyotes.  They've always been here, since we moved to SoCal we have seen them around different areas often.  But these guys are coming into the park in the daytime and coming close, too close. So I'm armed.

I have a new BIG gel pepper spray and rocks.  It's a funny thing when people first start talking about what to do about the coyotes.  "We don't want to hurt them," says everyone, including me.  I truly don't want to hurt them; I love wildlife and think they deserve to be here as much as we do. That is as long as they don't bother us; and we won't bother them, right?

Then I got to thinking.  These coyotes have moved in and are having kids.  The pack is growing and will eventually branch off to make another and another.  There are definitely more coyotes around.  Several people have been chased right across the park by a coyote following close behind.  Not cool.  Very unnerving.  Obviously the ones being chased have had small, old or slow dogs; something a coyote might consider a meal.  I know several people who have had their dogs taken or seriously injured by coyotes.  And I can't imagine how many cats they've gotten; but the number of "missing cat" signs around is telling.  

I'm not too worried about Elsa; she comes across as strong and agile, not an easy mark.  But that still does not mean that I'm cool with a coyote coming up to us.  They are losing their fear of people so I think we need to instill it back again.  Like they do with bears that wander into neighborhoods; they set the Karelian bear dogs after them to let them know that they should not come into the area.

 If a coyote is coming to eat my dog then yep, he's going to get hurt.  If they are getting too curious, then yep, time for a little pain. If the coyotes are becoming a problem; it is because nothing bad has happened to them.  They may have taken down many cats and some dogs in the area so it's a good hunting territory.  Hanging out at the park is great because it's safe.  So I think they need a little scare.   

These guys need to learn that the park is ours.  We do not appreciate having to look over our shoulder every time we round a corner.  A coyote with no fear of humans is a danger to us and themselves.  They need to be afraid and they need to stay away from populated areas.  The area I live in is surrounded by canyons and open space; loads of great places for coyotes to live and hunt.  There are literally thousands of rabbits for them to eat.

The shot

The Cover

Handsome boys

The first coyote I saw up close and personal was actually a gift.  I was shooting a couple of beautiful Kuvasz and looking for an intense look on their face for a magazine cover shot.  As the owner and I worked on getting "the look" a coyote appeared over the hill.  I immediately got the shot and the owner unhooked her older dog for a chase.  He went over the hill after the coyote and returned shortly.  He'd done his job and run the coyote off.  It was a cool moment of seeing wildlife and these amazing dogs in action.  

As far as being in our park, not so much.  

Coyotes, a real threat.

Coyotes are a real threat; if you have small dogs then you need to be aware.    The species lives just about everywhere throughout North America, Central America and Mexico.  It is an opportunistic hunter and will eat anything from vegetation and nuts to larger animals such as chicken, sheep, cats and dogs.  They have been very successful with the integration of their species into populated areas and are commonly seen running down streets.   I have seen many here in Southern California; while out at parks or driving around.  Just yesterday morning one ran down the street in front of me on my way back from the gym.  I had been to the gym later so it was surprising for me to see at around 9:00 am.  I first thought that it was a German Shepherd mix running off leash with it's boys.  But when it turned to look over it's shoulder at them I realized that it was a coyote; and a big, well fed coyote at that.  I followed it for a bit and then headed home to make sure that Luke was not out.

I have heard many stories of dogs being taken by coyotes.  I can't imagine, it was one of my greatest fears and a constant worry when I had Jessie.  I have heard of more Jack Russell's being taken than any other dog.  Perhaps it is the tough attitude that a JRT has the gives owners a false sense of security.  Whereas most people who have tiny Chihuahua type dogs know that they are vulnerable.  But it is not just the tiny ones who are taken.  The largest dog that I know taken was a Brittany Spaniel; they are a substantial sized dog.  This dog was taken out of it's own backyard by a pack of coyotes.  She was old and didn't stand a chance against a healthy young coyote pack.  Such a sad way to go. 

Am I an alarmist?  No, not at all.  I love all wildlife and have great respect for it.   Yesterday's spotting was simply a reminder to me that they are around.  Sometimes I forget now that I don't have any small ones around.  Of course Penny visits often but I'd like to see them try to take her.  One snap of that powerful jaw of hers would have them realizing that they were after the wrong dog and head for the hills.  If they are in your area you should be aware.  While photographing a couple of Kuvasz several years back we were graced by a coyote on the scene.  It was perfect timing and gave me the shot I needed to make the cover of the magazine.  Kuvasz are bred to protect their heard and when the coyote showed up they kicked into gear.  It was very interesting.

Just recently I heard of a family losing their small dog to a coyote.  This was more east of us and a known place for lots of coyotes.  It takes but a  moment for them to snatch a dog.  They grab and run; they do not stand and fight to the death there in front of you.  Another woman with a Jack Russell who I know had a tug-o-war with her dog and a coyote.  Lucky for her the dog was on a leash and she was able to fight back.  She got her dog back with huge punctures in it's rib cage.  She head straight to the Vet and the dog was saved. 

Coyotes are opportunists so if we humans fail to keep our dogs safe; they will take the opportunity.  As far as cats go?  Don't even get me started there.  I've been witness to cat deaths by coyotes far too often and do not understand cats at large with the threat of coyotes around.  I just don't get it.  But then again, this is about dogs.  Keep yours safe.