Coyote at Post Oak Creek – Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

I was driving over Post Oak Creek near the old Job Corps Center when I spotted a Coyote walking in the creek. I stopped on the bridge and photographed it from inside my truck.

Coyote walking in shallow creek water with reflection visible. — The Coyote stepped into the water, reflecting in the still surface of the creek.

The Coyote kept an eye on me but didn’t seem too concerned. It moved along the creek edge, pausing at times in the water. The harsh evening light made it a challenge to photograph, but I was glad for the opportunity. After several minutes, the Coyote disappeared into the trees.

Coyote standing on the muddy bank at Post Oak Creek, looking toward the camera. — A cautious look from the Coyote as it stood at the edge of Post Oak Creek.

This turned out to be a great spot for wildlife. In the next post, I’ll share several White-tailed Deer I also photographed in this same creek.

Wildlife Notes: Observing a Coyote at Post Oak Creek

Coyotes are highly adaptable animals found throughout Oklahoma, including the Wichita Mountains. They often travel waterways like creeks, which provide both water and a natural travel corridor. Seeing one out in the open during the evening was a treat, Coyotes are usually most active at dawn and dusk, and they often avoid being seen by people.

Coyote standing in shallow water at Post Oak Creek in Oklahoma. — The Coyote stood briefly in the creek, alert and watching before moving on.

Coyote standing beside brush at Post Oak Creek in evening light. — The Coyote paused near thick brush but kept watching me as it moved along the creek.

This one looked lean but healthy. It was alert, cautious, and curious, behaviors that serve Coyotes well in a refuge where they share space with Elk, Deer, and many smaller prey species.

Coyote walking on a dirt bank beside Post Oak Creek at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. — A Coyote cautiously walked the edge of Post Oak Creek as I photographed from my truck.

Photography Notes: Photographing Coyotes in Harsh Evening Light

I stayed inside my truck for this encounter. Using the vehicle as a blind helped me remain unnoticed while the Coyote went about its business.

Camera: Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Lens: Canon RF 200–800mm F6.3-9 IS USM
Aperture: ƒ/9
Shutter Speed: 1/1000 second
ISO: 2000–5000

The late evening light was harsh at 6:30 P.M., with deep shadows and bright highlights. I relied on higher ISO values to keep my shutter speed fast enough for a moving subject. In situations like this, watching the histogram is key to keeping detail in both shadows and highlights.

Coyote standing in shallow creek water looking toward the left. — A pause in the water as the Coyote glanced upstream, alert and watchful.

Coyote standing in shallow water at Post Oak Creek in strong evening light. — The evening light highlighted the Coyote’s coat as it stood in Post Oak Creek.

If you missed my first post from this trip, check it out here: Post Oak Lake and Treasure Lake at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.