One of my neighbors :)

[Casper]

That is really neat how they are thriving so close to civilization. There are quite a few of them around here, but with all the farmers they learn to stay far far away.

I can't believe you ended up so close to one! I probably would have wet myself being that close. Hehe.

Thanks for sharing your lovely neighbor with us! I would love to see more of them if they give you a chance at more photos.

[Karen]

It is sad that coyotes are moving into civilization areas, but it is only because we have messed up with the natural balance of things. We hunted the grey wolf nearly to extinction, so it is gone from most of its natural range. That means the deer population can literally grow, unchecked, as there are very few large predators to eliminate the weaker or older members of the herds. It also means coyotes, whose natural range was once far to the west of here, have moved gradually East. They are not big enough, though, to take down a full-grown deer, but will easily take down a wandering housecat, small dogs, and other "pet" animals.

We have no one to blame but ourselves.

No, I don't know what the solution is, but do know that if you have coyotes in your neighborhood, keep your cats indoors only, and never leave a small dog or a puppy out unattended.