Couple of interesting experiences in the last month or so.
Two weeks ago, we were heading down to Cardston and off in a barley field we noticed one, no, two, no, five coyotes hunting. All full-sized animals, all obviously looking for food. It was fascinating to watch how they searched the field, not overlapping search areas, staying in a relative line as swept the field.
Second experience was on Christmas Eve. We live in Lethbridge and, although we back onto the coulees, we are not that close to the outskirts of town (at least in my opinion). Anyways, the wife was putting dishes away and noticed a coyote in our driveway. I looked out to see a fairly good sized dog, definitely a coyote. Then I saw another one across the street, eventually walking past my house to my backyard. I went to the back patio with a flashlight and shone it out, exposing at least 6 coyotes. We had a similar experience on New Year's Eve, when we saw 4 coyotes out back when we went out for a smoke.
The second batch of experiences really surprised me, as I would figure that the city coyotes would be more of a scavenger rather than a pack hunter. However, I have heard more than enough stories about missing cats and dogs - I have a strong suspicion where they end up.
We have noticed more pack-like behavior in coyotes while out hunting but these last couple of experiences have really made me appreciate both their adaptability and their possible danger, to pets and two legged beings. We have made a mental note to be extra cautious when kids are playing in the back (my sister has three nieces aged under three), though I doubt they would attack during the day.
So what experiences have you had with coyotes in packs ?
Two weeks ago, we were heading down to Cardston and off in a barley field we noticed one, no, two, no, five coyotes hunting. All full-sized animals, all obviously looking for food. It was fascinating to watch how they searched the field, not overlapping search areas, staying in a relative line as swept the field.
Second experience was on Christmas Eve. We live in Lethbridge and, although we back onto the coulees, we are not that close to the outskirts of town (at least in my opinion). Anyways, the wife was putting dishes away and noticed a coyote in our driveway. I looked out to see a fairly good sized dog, definitely a coyote. Then I saw another one across the street, eventually walking past my house to my backyard. I went to the back patio with a flashlight and shone it out, exposing at least 6 coyotes. We had a similar experience on New Year's Eve, when we saw 4 coyotes out back when we went out for a smoke.
The second batch of experiences really surprised me, as I would figure that the city coyotes would be more of a scavenger rather than a pack hunter. However, I have heard more than enough stories about missing cats and dogs - I have a strong suspicion where they end up.
We have noticed more pack-like behavior in coyotes while out hunting but these last couple of experiences have really made me appreciate both their adaptability and their possible danger, to pets and two legged beings. We have made a mental note to be extra cautious when kids are playing in the back (my sister has three nieces aged under three), though I doubt they would attack during the day.
So what experiences have you had with coyotes in packs ?
