Times in many ways have been hard for this young, two-and-a-half-years old female coyote whom I call Sis. Hard, because she was excluded from her family group by her mother and had to live her life apart from them, but within seeing range, for over a year. Only Dad would come over to console her now and then. I was sure she would disperse, but a fellow observer told me that this coyote was strong and would be sticking around. I was surprised that this is, indeed, how it worked out.
Dad visits her
Intruders came through the area several times during this year-long time-frame, and the family drove them out, with this young female right in there helping with that. I felt that she was trying to prove her worthiness to the family, but it didn’t seem to help regain her any acceptance. Eventually, a couple of months ago, the family left the territory entirely, leaving her all alone with one younger pup who now, too, seems to be gone. Dad returned regularly to visit at first, but not often. His visits, too, slowly waned and then ceased.
I often find her alone, as usual, lying on a little knoll with her chin to the ground. I gather that she looks forward to my appearances because she’s always there as though waiting for me. On this day, after the sirens sounded, she responded while lying down — not even bothering to get up! I recorded the entire howl session, her single voice filling the evening. It was just about dark outside causing the video to go out of focus right at the end of the recording.
Coyote Yipps 
Jan 07, 2019 @ 00:15:18
What do you think is going on? Do you have any guesses? Considering how family-oriented coyotes are, I have absolutely no idea—and feel bad for her, whether that is reality or not.
Jan 07, 2019 @ 00:51:03
I felt bad for her for a long time. Though I haven’t seen it, I’m told that families may go off for months at a time and then return. As the story unfolds itself, I’ll reveal it. Mom was key: she either left or found her end, and Dad, of course, followed Mom. So the female has been left with a whopper of a dowry! Some handsome young fellow could appear before her previous family re-emerges, if it ever does, and this may already be in the works. :))
Jan 07, 2019 @ 00:48:16
I can’t help being sad about this. Is she healthy and doing well, despite being on her own?
Jan 07, 2019 @ 01:06:06
Coyotes are resilient. I’m betting that she becomes a winner in this story! She is healthy and doing well!
Jan 07, 2019 @ 00:48:20
Oh Janet. I’m so glad Sis has you. This is heartbreaking and yet real. Life is full for joy and sorrow for people and animals. Animals are individual sentient beings. You prove that to us over and over. Thank you. Ever grateful…. And I’m so in love with the coyotes and Sis.
Jan 07, 2019 @ 03:36:57
Hi Cindie — Yes, there’s joy and sorrow for all of us, isn’t there?! We should be looking at their and our similarities in order to comprehend them — these are the things that will help us relate to them, I believe.
Jan 07, 2019 @ 07:49:44
Hi Janet! Yes I totally agree and this is much of my work in the world. I use animals to guide me to be authentic (in particular the wild animals) and help others do the same. Because….before there were self-help books, psychologists, podcasts, and spiritual retreats, humans considered wild animals their best teachers for self-awareness. Animal totems helped and inspired people to heal and grow. They were respected as mirrors and guides demonstrating specific behaviors, strengths, characteristics, and skills for humans to emulate, as well as weaknesses to modify.” Thank you Janet for being a window into the intimate life of Coyote. I am so honored and grateful for all you and Coyote reveal to me. It’s very intimate and rewarding.
Jan 07, 2019 @ 09:40:33
This makes sense, and it’s very interesting. It dovetails with my own thoughts: “Connecting With Animals: Anthropomorphizing”, and with Carl Safina’s insights.
Jan 07, 2019 @ 07:50:55
Love this: “So the female has been left with a whopper of a dowry! Some handsome young fellow could appear before her previous family re-emerges, if it ever does, and this may already be in the works. :))”
Jan 07, 2019 @ 09:20:58
:))
Jan 08, 2019 @ 06:11:21
I love your article on Anthropomorphizing. You rock. THANK YOU!
Jan 08, 2019 @ 06:58:55
Thank YOU, Cindie! And thank you for the work you do to bridge the divide. :))
Jan 07, 2019 @ 18:08:37
Oh this story makes me so sad to read.. to think of her all alone.. Hopefully she will meet a lovely fellow and start her own family. I’d love to continue to hear of what becomes of Sis 💕
Jan 07, 2019 @ 18:39:58
I write about many families and individuals, so her story will continue to be woven into this blog. :))
Jan 07, 2019 @ 19:10:31
That’s great to hear, as I love to read all the news about them 😊