Heidi
Eileen
Mike B.
Lana
Coyote and Me: Speaking the language of trust
Over the last week I had the pleasure of partaking in an email conversation with Geri, a conservation biologist at Project Coyote. Rummaging through some computer folders labeled ‘school’, I came across a written account of a spectacular encounter I had with a coyote on some property that was literally bridging the gap between urban life and wild lands. As I read through my notes I decided it was a perfect addition to JournOwl and formally added it (Dances with Coyote) to the log on Sept. 1st. 
And as I sat reminiscing about my coyote meeting, I began to truly wonder about the behavior that was nothing less than the antithesis of all other accounts I have heard about in the news. It was a non-threatening interaction that represented all things grand with wildlife and showcased the extent of, in this case, a coyote’s ability to communicate. But a translation was indeed required if I were to try and fully understand the unspoken language we exchanged that fall evening.
So I turned to social media for some answers and was promptly pointed to Project Coyote for a little deciphering assistance. I was pleasantly surprised by the quick response and interest in my experience. And as so aptly put by Geri in our first communication, “There is so much about wildlife behavior that we as humans, and our science do not yet understand.”
Yet as the second round of emails were exchanged I found myself utterly moved by her response and wanted to share. Most definitely such insight is applicable not only to coyotes, but to the animals that inhabit the Earth and of which we encounter every day. Sometimes we just need to take the time to stop and listen to what they are saying…
Your descriptions in this email sound so, so, so coyote! Had this encounter happened sometime in the spring or early summer, I would surmise that it had something to do with protecting their pups.
However, the encounter in the Fall suggests that you met up with a coyote and his shy mate. Coyotes are very intelligent, curious, and social. It sounds to me that this coyote felt comfortable interacting with you at a distance. As you noted …coyote kept a safe distance at all times. As to his or her “bounce routine” …coyotes are all unique …this is this coyote’s way of relating to you in a friendly manner.
I want you to know that coyote honored you that day. He trusted you enough to have these “wild” moments with you. And somehow, I think you understand that. You did not respond with fear …you took time to experience this very special encounter.
I believe our native peoples had these experiences with coyote all the time. Hence the myriads of wonderful Native American myths with coyote always the lead character.
Geri Vistein, Conservation Biologist for Project Coyote
Just as Project Coyote was recommended to me, I suggest you pay a visit to their site and peruse all the available information.
Coyotes play a vital ecological role in keeping rodent and small-mammal populations in check. They are also efficient scavengers keeping ecosystems clean of carrion and they offer many natural services we may not fully appreciate. In honor of the coyote’s resourcefulness, intelligence and rightful place in the ecosystem, the Navajo called the species “God’s dog.” Coyotes have much to offer us, not only by keeping ecosystems healthy, but by providing inspiring examples of ingenuity, adaptability and resilience in an ever-changing world.
Learning to Coexist with Coyotes by Camilla H. Fox (founding director of Project Coyote) Marinscope, August 2009
On an October night two species came together, shared a conversation, and put their trust in each other. Perhaps it was a chance meeting, or just maybe it was a predestined interaction designed to exchange olive branches. In either case I was privileged to be one of those individuals.
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