Eastern Coyote on the prowl

Unlike wolves, coyotes have readily adapted to living near humans in urban areas. They may hunt rabbits, squirrels, and occasionally, domestic pets like your cat or small dog.

Eastern Coyote on the prowl

When coyotes migrated into Ontario and eastern Canada in the early 1900s, they began to interbreed with the native wolf population, notably the Eastern Wolf. Today, coyotes in eastern Canada are more properly described as 'coy wolves', hybrids of the western coyote and the eastern wolf. Therefore, if a neighbor in an urban area tells you they have seen a wolf, they are partly correct!

Eastern Coyote portrait

Crouched in the woods at dusk, this coyote was quietly watching for prey to pass by, including perhaps the local deer herd.

Great Horned Owl peering down

This owl is peering down from its perch high in great white pine tree. Curiously, this one seems to have some unidentified plant matter or fur stuck to its bill.

Great Horned Owl

This owl is watching for prey high up in a White Pine tree. With large talons and silent flight, the Great Horned Owl is a formidable nighttime predator and will easily take rodents such as mice, rabbits and squirrels, and even the occasional domestic cat if small enough.

Great Horned Owl

A key part of this owl's hunting arsenal is its superior vision, allowing it to spot prey and movement in almost total darkness. It sees only in black and white, since colour vision is not needed at night.

I see you!

This owl is giving me a discerning look before returning to watch for prey. Occasionally humans are 'dive bombed' by this owl when they stray too close to its nest!

Coyote at rest

This hungry coyote is taking a short break from its afternoon search for food.

Coyote sees potential prey

Always on the prowl, especially during lean times in winter, coyotes are constantly alert to their surroundings and any potential hunting opportunity.

What exactly are you?

The coyote is trying to get a better look at me to determine if I am potential prey. To date, there is only one documented case in Canada of coyotes killing a human, and this is considered an anomaly.

Maybe I'll move in...

Lowering its head and slowly advancing toward me, this coyote is considering an approach. I decided it was time to stop taking pictures and walk away...

Coyote portrait

This coyote studies me carefully from a distance. Coyotes are normally shy and will not usually approach people, Unfortunately, there are misinformed people who put out food for coyotes in urban areas. This is an illegal and dangerous practice, as it eliminates the animals' natural fear of humans!

Have to scratch that itch!

A lighter look at this intelligent and beautiful predator. It would almost make a tempting family pet, if not for its nasty habit of devouring all of your neighbors' pets.

Wary deer

Even though they inhabit a residential area and often encounter people, the local deer remain quite wary. Should they let their guard down, they may fall prey to the coyote.

Grazing deer

One reason deer are so plentiful in urban areas is that they find browse almost everywhere. They have also been know to browse the ground around neighbourhood bird feeders.

Wary deer

Even though they inhabit a residential area and often encounter people, the local deer remain quite wary. Should they let their guard down, they may fall prey to the coyote.

Comical look

I imagine this doe is not taunting me by sticking out its tongue. Rather, it is likely savouring a mouthful it just picked up.

Whitetail Deer in winter landscape

It is not uncommon for deer like this one to inhabit woodlots next to residential areas, where they will find plenty of food. Yet they remain wary, as Eastern Coyote packs have been known to take down even fairly large deer.

Merlin

The Merlin is a small falcon that preys primarily on smaller birds. It can be found year-round in many parts of North America. This one will perch for hours atop a dead pine tree as it awaits an opportunity to hunt.