With the arrival of denning season, I want to look at how coyotes raise families in the wild—a place free from human harassment and hunting. For me, that place is Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, where I lived and volunteered during three winters. And where I was lucky enough to observe coyotes.
British Columbia Plays the Numbers Game No one is really sure just how many grey wolves there are in B.C.. It is estimated that there are roughly 8,500 grey wolves in B.C.. Perhaps in some locations as meager as 5,300, other locations 11,600.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” – Margaret Mead The morning is beautiful, crisp, clean and cool.
Note from Rick: “Thanks to all of you for the strong response to my first post about the impact of hunting on wolves. This is a testimony to how we see the similarity between the family bonds of wolves and those of coyotes.
More thoughts from the field by Rick Lamplugh’s Coyote Watch. Living and volunteering at Yellowstone’s Lamar Buffalo Ranch, Mary and I always ask visitors, “What animals have you seen today?” Sometimes the answer—tinged with disappointment—is “Just a coyote.”
This is one woman‘s story of courage, witnessing and compassion about a wolf that was trapped in a neck snare. Paula Tough shares in her own words what she did next when she happened upon a wolf, just feet away from a snow mobile trail, in distress.
A young Ontario girl named Jasmine Polsinelli decided to put her compassionate heart to work and raise awareness about bear families at risk in Ontario this spring. With the generous help of LUSH Cosmetics and a clan of volunteers including Coyote Watch Canada, an awe inspiring signature blast hit Queen Street in Toronto.
Note from Rick: though this post is about wolves, I’m certain that the situation is similar for coyotes. Family bonds are strong for both canids. The wolf on the right in the photo, called 755 for his collar number, was once the alpha male of the Lamar Canyon pack.
Incredibly beneficial to the natural ecosystem , coyotes area "keystone species" and help keep rodent populations under control. They are often referred to as "nature’s cleanup crew".
My wife Mary and I have volunteered and lived during two winters at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch in the remote northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park. We drive 14-passenger buses, carrying seminar participants over the Lamar Valley’s snow-covered roads in search of wildlife.
