During my recent wildlife photography trip to Antelope Island State Park in Utah, I had the chance to photograph a coyote catching a meal. As I drove off the main road, I spotted movement in the brush. At first, I only saw shadows. Then a coyote stepped into view and began stalking prey in the distance. I quickly grabbed my camera and rested it on the bean bag over my truck window.
A moment later, the coyote slipped behind a low bush and vanished from sight. For several seconds, nothing moved. Then it stepped back into the open with something in its mouth. At that point, I realized I had just watched a successful hunt. The entire sequence happened fast and without warning.
Coyotes are one of the most adaptable predators in North America. As a result, they live in deserts, forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Antelope Island State Park sits on a large island in the Great Salt Lake. Because of the mix of open ground and thick brush, the area provides excellent hunting habitat for coyotes.
Seeing a coyote hunt in the wild is always a powerful experience. Even so, it is even more rewarding when I can document it through photos. At the same time, I make a point to keep my distance. Above all, I never interfere with feeding or hunting behavior.
Capturing the moment a coyote secures a meal takes patience and timing. In this case, everything lined up just right. This image from Antelope Island remains one of my favorite predator encounters. Ultimately, it represents everything I enjoy about wildlife photography. Right place, right time, and a lot of waiting.