Earlier this week, on April 14th, 2024, I was out at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma with my friend and fellow photographer, Mia. We were scanning the landscape for interesting subjects when we spotted a coyote crossing the road in front of us and going into an open field.
The coyote wasn’t shy – it casually trotted across and disappeared into a patch of weeds. After a short while, we saw it pounce on something, presumably a small rodent for lunch. After its successful hunt, the coyote emerged, recrossed the road into another open field, and lay down, seemingly unfazed by our arrival as we parked my truck. This relaxed behavior gave me the perfect opportunity to take some photos.
As I reviewed the pictures, a thought struck me: could this be the same coyote I encountered and photographed at the refuge last year, on August 31st, 2023 (A Young Coyote’s Daily Adventures In Oklahoma)? Back then, it was a young pup, and just as unafraid of humans.
It’s a distinct possibility! Coyotes are known to establish territories and remain in the same general area year after year, depending on various factors. Resident coyotes, which are breeding pairs with established territories, tend to exhibit high site fidelity – basically, they like their neighborhood and stick around. This makes sense; a reliable territory with food, water, and safety for raising pups is a valuable resource.
Transient coyotes, on the other hand, are loners with a wider roaming pattern. They’re less likely to form lasting attachments to specific areas.
Given the relaxed behavior and the fact that it was in the same location at the refuge, my money’s on this being the same young pup I met last year, all grown up! It’s exciting to think that I might be witnessing the life story of a particular animal unfold through my lens. The next time I visit the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I’ll have my camera extra ready, hoping to catch another glimpse of this potentially resident wily coyote.