Photograph wild coyotes, but don’t feed them

My first coyote sighting was a scary moment. I was walking through a park with my camera when my eye caught shapes in the grass. Looking closer, I noticed two coyotes sleeping in the field no more than 50 feet away from me.

My heart began to thump, and I backed away. A man walked by, noticed my camera, smiled and said, “There are two beautiful animals over there.” “The coyotes?” I said. “Yes, they’re always here.” And he continued on his walk.

I took another look. More walkers stopped — some with dogs. A senior man paused to relay his delightful experience with the beautiful female who he encountered one afternoon. Apparently these animals were known to the locals who lived in the area. I was a bit confused.

I thought coyotes were dangerous. Media reports of aggressive beasts that snatched dogs from backyards were nothing like the two peaceful animals that were sleeping close to a walking trail.

Eventually, the animals woke up and eyed me. They stretched, howled and crossed the field, probably towards their evening hunting grounds. I took a few photos and left.

Since then, I’ve photographed many coyotes. Most of the time the animal is wary of me. I take photos if possible and move out of their way. They are beautiful creatures.

But they are also wild animals. They live by feeding on small animals and have been known to snatch small dogs that may be off leash in their area. Their intent is to survive, and since we continue to encroach on their hunting grounds through our insatiable need for development, we will inevitably cross paths.

A coyote has an instinct to hunt. They aren’t taught from birth to approach humans for handouts. So if you feed one, you’ll begin a routine that is not part of their natural order. Like a dog, the coyote will begin to associate humans with food.

According to the Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC), this is what happened with the Bayview coyote that was recently shot by police.

Reportedly, the coyote had bitten two people. The TWC commented that since no medical treatment was required, the behaviour indicated the coyote was looking for food, perhaps after being fed by humans in the past.

This caused the police to deem the animal dangerous and end its life. An animal looking for food.

As a photographer, I understand the fascination of seeing and photographing a coyote. But it’s not common, because they are shy creatures who respect our space.

Feeding a coyote is against the law, but the trickle effects are far worse. You put the public and the animal’s life at risk. It cannot be worth the few minutes of high you get from the likes on Instagram.

If you are fortunate enough to see one, keep your distance. Take your photo and let the animal go on its way. It’s not asking you for a handout — there are far too many squirrels around.

If you see someone feeding a coyote, please contact your local bylaw office and file a report.