Coyote Yipps

Today, in honor of the longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice and the first day of Summer, I wanted to showcase *long*: long ears, long noses/snouts, long legs, long tubular torsos of our Western coyotes. Evolution has served these animals well: their huge long ears allow them to hear the softest sounds underground in order to know where to hunt. Their long thin snouts are exceptional smelling devices which can also reach with ease into difficult accesses such as rodent tunnel openings. Their long thin legs result in lithe, quick and supple movements which help them jump high, pounce onto their prey, and attain speed. And their tubular torsos have no bulk at all to them: Western coyotes weigh an average of about 30 pounds. Right now, in June and July, they are shedding, so it is easier to see what they really look like under all that fluffy 3-inch winter fur which normally conceals these exceptional assets. 

Granted that the individuals in these photos may exceed the norm for *longness* of their various body parts, but in doing so, they highlight the general tendencies in the population.

What long ears you have! The better to hear it all, even when relaxing!

What an incredibly long nose and snout you have! The better to whiff-in the tell-tale nuances of their surroundings, and to reach deeply into tunnels for prey!

Long legs and a bulk-less tubular torso: The better to jump, pounce, and run like the wind!