Forest Janitor

Coyotes are often a very misunderstood and underappreciated creature. Although they don't form packs, they are a very social animal and like to live in family groups. Usually, they will travel and hunt alone, but sometimes will join others to take down large prey.

They are incredibly smart and adaptable and have learned how to survive even in our man-made habitats. Yet in the forest, their keen sense of smell and hearing, along with their ability to run up to 40 mph (64 km) makes them a very successful hunter.

As skilled hunters, coyotes play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by helping keep the small rodent populations in check. And since they also scavenge on carrion, they are the perfect forest janitor, cleaning up the pieces left behind from others.

Whenever we approach patches of water, we always slow down to see if anything has come down for a drink. This particular morning as we were driving the backroads of Banff, and much to our delight, we were blessed with the presence of this beautiful coyote as it stopped for a drink, pausing only for a moment, as they are always on the move.

- Stan Masters

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