Coyote Encounter

On my Southwest Adventure I saw lots of cool birds but I would be remise if I didn't mention this really amazing mammal show. It was my last day and we had driven from New Mexico to Texas. I was to fly out of El Paso that afternoon but we decided to check out a local state park before I left. Hueco Tanks State Park is a really busy park due to the rock climbing fanatics and there was a wait list to get in but after awhile Andy and I managed to squeeze in the park. Before we even made it near the visitor center we saw our first Coyote of the trip. We had heard them barking at Bosque del Apache NWR but we didn't see them. This Coyote just stood there by the road in the bushes.


We were sitting in the car idling when a cyclist road by us. The Coyote became aware of the man on the bike and started a hot pursuit. We couldn't believe our eyes. This man was being hunted down by the Coyote.

We watched as the man weaved in and out, trying to shake the Coyote but the dog wasn't giving up his chase. He stayed close to the back of the bike. We decided then that perhaps we should interfere with the show.

We sped the car ahead and got very close to the Coyote. Realizing that it was sandwiched between a bike and a car it quickly stopped and turned by the shoulder of the road.

It just stood there for what seemed like a long time, staring us down as if to say, "Thanks for ruining my day." And then before we knew it, the Coyote trotted off back down the road behind us.

One of the best parts of birdwatching is that you never know where it will take you and what other surprises will abound. This was a great way to end my trip in the Southwest. And though seeing a Coyote wasn't that new of an experience (I've seen them in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida), this encounter certainly will be a lasting memory.