Shy Coyote

Leidig Meadow, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Running wild in Yosemite Valley, this affable coyote is often spotted in Leidig Meadow. Although sometimes surviving on human food solicited from the nearby road, this morning the coyote was resting after a natural meal of vole.

Having watched this dog for seven years, since it was a pup, I am familiar with his routine. He was somewhat comfortable with my presence as well. Taking three hours to approach him, I inched ever closer, until I was twelve feet away, at that point he started rolling in the grass and barking softly.

Acting completely submissive, he buried his nose in his paws, teasing me to come closer. I took the photo, and took one more step until he trotted off. I have only seen him one time since, running through a different meadow to meet his life mate at the edge of the woods.