For several years I’ve visited a nearby field to watch two coyote parents whom I named Mom and Dad. In November 2012 I found that a new coyote couple had replaced Mom and Dad as the field’s resident coyotes. I named them Rufous and Mary.
One possible difference between Mom and Dad’s behavior compared to Rufous and Mary’s is that Mom and Dad did not seem to howl at emergency vehicle sirens. Consider my August 22, 2012 post: A Brief Show. The video included there showed Mom ignoring both the siren and her youngsters’ howls in reply. My general impression after many observations was that Mom and Dad just didn’t bother with howling back at sirens. I always thought that restraint showed how intelligent Mom and Dad are.
In contrast, the video included with this post shows Rufous howling at sirens. A little earlier, Rufous and Mary, both hidden, were howling at the sirens.
Coyote Yipps 
Apr 01, 2013 @ 01:24:37
Interesting. As I can see no useful reason to howl at the sound of an ambulance and a good reason to not howl – possibly reveal yourself to an enemy – I agree that Mom and Dad show more intelligence in that regard. I’ve often wondered that wild canines seem more judicious in using their vocal capabilities than our domestic dogs who may yap continuously for no good reason. How did that happen?
Wonder if Mary is pregnant or has had pups? I’ve seen no signs of coyotes here in the last month. Once crops begin to grow, maybe they will return to hunt. I wonder if there are any litters and how well pups will do with our (so far) cold and wet Spring.
Apr 01, 2013 @ 02:01:30
Be safe, Rufous.