Fred
Fred the Coyote. This solitary young (as of 2007) female lives somewhere behind our house. Coyote attacks on humans--including children--are exceptionally rare. (Coyote attacks number a few per year, vs. 300,000 attacks on children alone by dogs. The last recorded fatality was in 1986.) Due to the wiping out of other large predators such as Pumas and Wolves, Coyotes have dramatically increased the range of their habitat, and are spreading and thriving nationwide even into urban areas (even where they never were before there was human development). Fred and I have accidentally crossed paths many times, usually at dusk; she is very shy and wary, wanting nothing to do with humans. Costa has gotten out and chased her several times, but Fred easily outruns and outmaneuvers him (while clearly not even trying too hard), and generally does not seem too threatened by his presence.
Jan 1, 2008
Photos: 10
