In this sequence of photographs, a mother coyote catches a vole and then seems to tease the younger coyote to come and get it. He does so, but when he actually latches on to the vole, the mother is right there and encloses the young coyote’s muzzle with hers — a sign of her dominance. The young coyote immediately withdraws. The mother again runs off with the vole and ultimately ends up eating it. But the younger coyote watches, and HE is the one in the last photo who is licking his chops!! This sequence may be about a mother reconfirming her dominance to an offspring who has been showing signs of dominance towards one of its siblings.
Mom Teases & Tests
01 Oct 2010 Leave a comment
by yipps:janetkessler in coyote behavior, family interactions, hierarchy, mother/pup learning, playing
Previous “Youngster Gets Bold, continued” by Charles Wood Next Triangulation
