While I was watching and photographing a Whitetail Doe and her Fawn at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, a pair of Coyotes appeared. The Coyotes were on the opposite side of the slough from the deer but they crossed over to the same side. The female Coyote went into the thick vegetation while the male stayed in the water and walked toward the deer. The Coyotes were walking parallel to each other. When the Coyotes got within a few steps of the Deer the Doe became alarmed and fled with the Fawn. The Coyotes didn’t pursue the Deer. I continued watching the male Coyote wading in the water for several yards before disappearing out of sight.
I have seen Coyotes hunting the water’s edge before but this is the first time I have seen one wading in the water for a long distance.
Coyotes are known for their versatility and adaptability, and their ability to swim is just one example of their many survival skills. While they are primarily land animals, they are capable of wading in water and even swimming, if necessary.
In the wild, coyotes are often seen near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and streams, where they hunt for fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey. They are able to navigate shallow waters with ease, using their powerful legs and sharp claws to maintain balance and catch their prey. Their dense, waterproof fur helps to keep them warm and dry, even in chilly waters.
Coyotes have been known to swim long distances, crossing rivers and lakes in search of food or mates. They are also known for their strong endurance and are capable of swimming for several hours without tiring. This ability allows them to escape predators and pursue prey in areas that other land animals cannot reach.
Technical:
I took this photo of a Coyote while sitting on the Phillip Parks Memorial Fishing Pier at Reeves Slough (Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge). Over the years, I have taken lots of photos from this pier.
For support, I had my camera and lens by resting on the wooden rail that surrounds this pier.
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date Taken: July 28, 2014
- Aperture: f5.6
- Shutter speed: 1/500 sec.
- ISO: 1000
- Exposure Bias: 0 EV
- Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
- Focal Length: 400 mm
- Lens: Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM
- Camera: Canon EOS 7D