This a beautiful young coyote found on the road to Old Faithful. He has a great coat and walks confidently and proud but this photo carries with it a sad story.

You see I had watched this guy for some time. His ears would perk up at each passing car and watch them. When I got out of my car his ears perked up and he approached a bit closer Most coyotes are very shy and leary of you being even within a 100 yards of them.

He continued to look at me and pose and provided some great photos something I am excited about because Coytes tend to be tricky to get good shots of.

But I had a hunch for his peculiar behavior.

So I picked up a rock from the side of the road and grabbed a pop tart wrapper from the trash in my car...I than crinkled the wrapper to make a loud noise.

Sure enough the coyotes ears shot forward he licked his lips and he came even closer to within 15 feet. I paused shot a few more photos than dropped the stone in front of me wanting to see how he would behave and the coyote ran towards me with much more bravery than i had expected. He came to within 4 feet when i very strongly scolded him and shoo'd him off.

The coyote retreated 20 or so feet away and looked at me puzzled. I crinkled the wrapper until he licked his lips once more and than acted like I was going to charge him shouting at him, he took off scared like a coyote should be.

Passing back through the area I found our addicted friend on the side of the road again posing for the few passing cars that remained in the park. I slowed the car and glared at him..I could tell he recognized me when he lowered his head and retreated back from the road.

Its exciting to get great images of this coyote, but if every wild animal behaved this way there would be no joy in capturing the images of them. It should be a challenge and a privilege to be within any distance of these animals.


Please do not feed the animals, this coyote will likely die either from being hit by a car or from starvation from losing the skills and strength needed to capture his prey it could very possibly be his first year and if he has not spent every minute of the year practicing his hunting skills he will in no way be prepared for the challenges of hunting this winter. If he survives that the park will most likely put him down as a danger to guests because he has no fear for us.

The processed sugary seasoned food we eat is very tasty to these animals and very addictive. Please never feed these animals, tossing scraps of meals into the bushes as 'squirrel food' is just as bad. Not only do you risk hurting the animal but future guests who come could be injured by bears, coyotes badgers or any other animal that is habituated to human food.