I can't imagine what it's like to see these incredible creatures in the wild.
Love this: “We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals…For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings: they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.” ~ Naturalist Henry Beston
Great to see this type of behaviour and comparing it with African Hunting Dogs ( PaintedDogs). Yellowstone is on my bucket list a bit closer to UK than S Africa so hope to enjoy the magic of a true National Park.
Hi, Ian. It was really fun to see the behavior and interesting to learn from Lesley. I hope you're able to get the Yellowstone and have a great time in the world's first national park.
An innovative post for sure: using your video as an introduction before reading about your encounter and subsequent discussion with an expert.
I am wondering what term Lesley uses in place of ‘alpha’?
I was immediately reminded of a newly published book that I am reading “Restoring the Balance” by John Vucetich, where he pretty much changes the whole grounds for perceiving wolves and other wild beings in the preface and first chapter before getting into depth on the wolves of Isle Royale. Highly recommended reading!
Your use of the interview and video really opens up to me a ton more questions about coyotes and their varied lives and communication. Hopefully you will delve further into their natural history in Greater Yellowstone in the future.
Hi Don. Thanks for your thoughtful comment. And thanks for the recommendation on "Restoring the Balance." I have been very impressed by the work of John Vucetich and I look forward to reading his new book.
You asked what term Lesley Sampson uses in place of "alpha." I don't want to speak for her, but I can say that she told me that she also does not like the term "dominant male" (or female. My impression is that she would rather refer to a coyote by its relationship to other coyotes, for example, mother, father, or sibling. In her work she spends enough time observing coyotes and families of coyotes that she can identify the relationships.
I'm glad you want to learn more about the natural history of coyotes in Greater Yellowstone. I will keep that in mind as I plan next year's schedule.
This made my day. What an incredible experience. I was able to get a video of what I think is a breeding pair and their female offspring (adult) on our land in Vermont. It is an interesting exchange. I'd love to see what the coyote expert has to say if she is interested in viewing it.
This video and commentary were so interesting! Thank you for presenting it. I am amazed at the differences between wolf behavior and coyote behavior. I thought the behaviors would be more similar.
I can't imagine what it's like to see these incredible creatures in the wild.
Love this: “We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals…For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings: they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.” ~ Naturalist Henry Beston
Deedee, it was an unforgettable moment and one more reason I feel so fortunate to live next door to Yellowstone and all its wild residents.
Great to see this type of behaviour and comparing it with African Hunting Dogs ( PaintedDogs). Yellowstone is on my bucket list a bit closer to UK than S Africa so hope to enjoy the magic of a true National Park.
Hi, Ian. It was really fun to see the behavior and interesting to learn from Lesley. I hope you're able to get the Yellowstone and have a great time in the world's first national park.
Fascinating to learn canid behaviour.
An innovative post for sure: using your video as an introduction before reading about your encounter and subsequent discussion with an expert.
I am wondering what term Lesley uses in place of ‘alpha’?
I was immediately reminded of a newly published book that I am reading “Restoring the Balance” by John Vucetich, where he pretty much changes the whole grounds for perceiving wolves and other wild beings in the preface and first chapter before getting into depth on the wolves of Isle Royale. Highly recommended reading!
Your use of the interview and video really opens up to me a ton more questions about coyotes and their varied lives and communication. Hopefully you will delve further into their natural history in Greater Yellowstone in the future.
Hi Don. Thanks for your thoughtful comment. And thanks for the recommendation on "Restoring the Balance." I have been very impressed by the work of John Vucetich and I look forward to reading his new book.
You asked what term Lesley Sampson uses in place of "alpha." I don't want to speak for her, but I can say that she told me that she also does not like the term "dominant male" (or female. My impression is that she would rather refer to a coyote by its relationship to other coyotes, for example, mother, father, or sibling. In her work she spends enough time observing coyotes and families of coyotes that she can identify the relationships.
I'm glad you want to learn more about the natural history of coyotes in Greater Yellowstone. I will keep that in mind as I plan next year's schedule.
Hi Angela. I'm glad that this Love the Wild was educational.
I have all your books so far!
Thanks, Leah, for your support. I truly appreciate it!
Love the Henry Benson quote! Your stories are so beautifully written! 😍
Thanks, Leah. I like that quote too. I'm glad Lesley told me about it.
This made my day. What an incredible experience. I was able to get a video of what I think is a breeding pair and their female offspring (adult) on our land in Vermont. It is an interesting exchange. I'd love to see what the coyote expert has to say if she is interested in viewing it.
Hi Gerri. I'm glad that you have coyotes on your land in Vermont and that you are able to watch them interact. I find coyotes to be very expressive.
This video and commentary were so interesting! Thank you for presenting it. I am amazed at the differences between wolf behavior and coyote behavior. I thought the behaviors would be more similar.
I'm glad that you found the video interesting. Mary and I were surely taken by those coyote behaviors. Coyotes are one of my favorite critters.