On July 15, I shared a blog post filled with photos and a video of an adult coyote and her four pups titled A Morning with Coyotes at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. Just a few days later, on July 19, I had another thrilling encounter with these fascinating creatures.
Another Day, Another Coyote
Driving near the same area of the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I spotted an adult coyote standing by the road. As we got closer, the coyote casually walked into a field of tall corn and vanished from sight. My friend Mia, who was with me, pointed out a coyote pup in the field on the opposite side of the road, catching grasshoppers.
Face-to-Face with a Coyote Pup
We both exited the truck and began photographing this playful pup. Using my pickup as a makeshift blind, we watched as the coyote pup gradually made its way toward us, munching on grasshoppers. The pup’s curiosity brought it within 7 to 10 feet from the front of my truck. It paused to check us out before heading back the way it came. This close encounter allowed me to capture some incredible shots of the pup, which I’m excited to share with you below.
More Close Encounters with Coyote Pups
Over the years, I’ve had some amazing close encounters with coyote pups. Here are a few you might enjoy:
- Coyote Pup Taking a Break
- Coyote Pup Mousing
- Two Young Coyotes Coming Close
- A Young Coyote’s Daily Adventures
Understanding Coyote Pups’ Curiosity
Coyote pups’ curiosity about humans can vary greatly depending on their environment and upbringing. Here are some factors that influence this behavior:
Parental Influence and Habituation
Coyotes can quickly become habituated to humans, especially in urban environments where encounters are more frequent. This lack of fear can be passed down from parents to pups. A study in Ecology and Evolution found that coyote pups born to parents accustomed to humans exhibited more curiosity and less fear compared to those born to more skittish parents.
Urban vs. Rural Settings
In urban areas, coyotes often live closer to humans, leading to increased curiosity and boldness in their pups. Conversely, in rural areas, pups are generally more cautious and less likely to approach humans due to fewer interactions and a higher level of wariness.
Individual Personalities
Like humans, individual coyotes have unique personalities. Some pups are naturally more curious and bold, while others are shy and cautious. This individual variability means that while some pups might show interest in humans, others will avoid them altogether.
Conclusion
While coyote pups can exhibit curiosity towards humans, this behavior is influenced by factors such as parental habituation, the environment they are raised in, and their individual personalities. In urban settings, where coyotes are more likely to encounter humans, pups may show more curiosity. However, it is important for humans to discourage close interactions to maintain a safe and respectful distance between wildlife and people.
If you’re interested in more stories and photos from my wildlife photography adventures, stay tuned and follow my blog for the latest updates!
What a delightful encounter! Great shots of a special visit!!