During my recent visit to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I had the incredible opportunity to observe a pair of young Coyotes near the auto tour road. As I was driving, I spotted one of the Coyotes attempting to drag what appeared to be a dead wild hog carcass off the field. I quickly grabbed my camera and took a few photos of the Coyote in action.
While I was photographing, the other Coyote was lying down in the field, closely observing the scene. This went on for several minutes until the first Coyote gave up on dragging the carcass. It walked away, and the other Coyote got up and walked over to the carcass. It sniffed around and then proceeded to mark its territory by urinating on it. Both Coyotes then walked off the field and went into the woods.
It was fascinating to witness the Coyotes’ behavior, especially how they interacted with the carcass. Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, insects, small mammals, and even carrion like the wild hog carcass. Their diet varies depending on their location, season, and the availability of food.
Coyotes are an essential part of the ecosystem, playing a vital role in controlling the population of small mammals like rodents. However, they are often misunderstood and feared by humans, leading to conflicts between the two species. It is important to remember that Coyotes are wild animals and should be respected from a safe distance.
In conclusion, my wildlife photography trip to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was a fantastic experience, and spotting the Coyotes was undoubtedly the highlight of my day. It was a humbling reminder of how much there is to learn about the natural world and how vital it is to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: May 02, 2023 (09:49 A. M.)
- Aperture: f11 (Fixed)
- Shutter speed: 1/1000
- ISO: 800 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 800 mm