Coyote Question

[Neapolis]

When do coyote's normally have their pups? I had an unusual contact with one this morning. After thinking about it, the only thing that makes sense is that she was trying keep me away from an area that may have been a den. All other contacts that I have had with coyote's, they have been elusive and would make every attempt to get away without being seen or heard. This one stood her ground and then followed me a short distance yipping all the time. After I had walked 25 yards past the spot where I first saw / heard her she disappeared into the woods like I would have expected her to all along.

Anyone else ever have anything like this happen? Oh by the way, this happened in the middle of a large (1,000 acres +) no hunting / shooting preserve.

[Turkeyfoot]

The breading season stars in Feb. and I believe the pups are born sometime in May. Sounds like you indeed either come close to a den or she may have had the pups close by! I'd be walking backards on the way out & looking for a club to boot,,,Whew:eek:

[Ohio Sportsman]

Here is some good info on coyotes: http://www.desertusa.com/june96/du_cycot.html

[Neapolis]

Thanks for the info and link. Sounds like I did indeed come up on a den probably with pups.

[vvarmitr]

Did you have your dog w/you at the time. Dogs & coyotes w/pups don't mix. That would explain the confrontation more to me.
You did say you were at a no hunting/shooting preserve. Maybe she has gotten use to people not being a threat in that large of an area?
It's real strange cause coyotes avoid humans the best they can, but will do some stupid stuff w/dogs around.
Why can't I get that lucky? :( That had to be a real thrill!

[Neapolis]

Yes I did have my dog with me at the time. She was on a leash at the time. The preserve has hiking and horse trails throughout so there is activity going on, but I was kinda in the boonies. I never thought about the dog triggering that kind of behavior, in fact I figured she would have caused her to disappear fast. We were past her when she started yipping (it was more of a yip than a bark). I didn't see her at first, but the sound was coming from a dead fall and I thought it might be a stray dog that had been hurt. We started to continue on and when I first saw her there was no doubt it was a coyote. She was following on a ridge above us 10 - 15 yards away. We would move and she would move. When we would stop she would stop and yip some more. After a while she disappeared over the ridge. It was pretty neat. The first thing I thought of was maybe it was rabid and that was the reason for the strange behaviour, but there had been no reports about any animals with rabis in the area and I am sure if there would have been reports if any had been found. The coyote population has been on the increase in our area and there has been warnings for people to not leave their small pets out side unattended and to not leave dog / cat food outside overnight.

The crazy thing is that I got my wife a camera with a telephoto lense while we were in Florida last winter and I had told her that morning I had seen several deer the day before and I should take her camera (it fits in your shirt pocket) to take some pictures. It sounded like a good idea, but I left it home. :confused: :confused: I would have easily gotten a couple of great pictures. I am going to wait a couple of days and hit the same area with the camera, maybe I will see her again. It would be neat to get a picture of her.

[vvarmitr]

* KICK * That's for forgeting the camera. And don't let it happen again! :D :D

Now if or when you go back you need to take the dog again to generate that kind of response. They'll just avoid you. The safety of the dog will be your biggest concern especially if you push the issue. Quite possibly the one that confronted you was a male.They're the ones that are more aggressive generally.
I would take a strong stick along about as high as your head. That way it will be long enough to help support the camera & still be a formiable weapon. If they get to aggressive you have to get out of their "zone". Don't turn & run, you'll get bit. :eek: unless you want some scars to go w/the story when you're telling it to the grandkids. :D Just promtly back away & guard your dog.
There is a chance that they may have moved the pups, if not they will the second time.
Man, I wished I lived closer. I would love to go w/you.:( :D

[Neapolis]

Your probably right about taking the dog, I wasn't plannining on it. I thought I would be able to find them now that I know (think I know) where the den is. As amazing as it sounds Molly (my dog)did the best I can remember at Sit, Stay, and Be Still while this was going on. I have been known to have to threaten her in a duck blind if things get excited. I will probably check the area again tomorrow.

[vvarmitr]

I think maybe the coyote musta et 'im. Ain't heerd from 'im in 2 days? :D

[Neapolis]

Naw I didn't get et. :D

I was in the same area Thursday without the dog and Friday with her. Didn't see a thing either day. You were right, she may have moved them already. It rained here last night and is supposed to be crappy most of the weekend so there shouldn't be any traffic to speak of in the area. Maybe next week

I got on last night and started to answere you, but I got a message software upgrade in progress or something like that before I hit the submit reply button. When I got on this morning I thought my computer was screwed up, I didn't recognize the place.

Oh by the way, I had the camera with me both days. :rolleyes: I may have it welded to my forehead so I will never miss a chance like that again. I think that was a one in a lifetime encounter.:cool:

[vvarmitr]

Man, I was so hopen that you would get to see them again. :mad:
That reminds me, I don't think my camera is in the fanny pack. I just might be due for a * kick *.:eek: :D :D

Well better luck next time buddy. ;)

Yeah, I freaked tismorning when I got here & then I couldn't find the list of the active post. Got lucky & tryed the "get new" button at the top. No matter how bad Steve screwed it up it's still the best, user friently site that I have used yet.:D :D :D