Watch What Happens When a Man's Dog Strolls Into a Feisty Coyote's Domain
Wild canines may seem similar to domestic dogs but are surprisingly more vicious than expected. While wolves are notorious for causing stirs in nature, the otherwise timid coyote is still quite dangerous. In the below footage, we see proof of this quite clearly. While the animal appears to be rather calm and simply basking in the sun, things escalate once his personal space is invaded. Basically, a parkgoer’s dog made the unwise decision to check out the lone critter, who obviously didn’t want to be disturbed. An aggressive display is made, thankfully not including any violence, before retreating back into the trees.
This close encounter was caught on camera at Harry Moss Park found in Dallas, Texas. This area overlaps with the native range of the coyote, and the area appears to have had higher sightings of them recently. While they’re an avoidant species, they are easily attracted to human settlements which in turn can cause issues.
That said, let’s learn more about these mischievous tricksters and get a better understanding of them.
How Smart are Coyotes?
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As a member of the canine family, these animals have all of the smarts and prowess they share with their relatives. Interestingly enough, they dictate their social structure in a unique fashion. Unlike wolves, their strategies involving packs are adapted to the vast habitats they live in. Preferring to travel and hunt alone, environmental stressors can pressure them into making a pack for mutual benefit. These groups will be led by a pair of mated males and females, along with several adults. Many of the included adults are likely the pair’s children, although others are often allowed in for protection. You see, a properly sized, stable pack will be able to defend their territory with ease.
What Do Coyotes Symbolize?
The clever coyote has shown up vividly within Native American folklore, and for good reason. These animals have always had a huge territory within North America, and the natives have taken note of them. Due to their resourcefulness and durability, these critters have always been seen as a devious trickster. Whether he uses his craftiness to help or hinder, the mythical “Old Man Coyote” appears throughout local mythology.
One significant tale that features this iconic animal describes his weariness of how plain day and night are. In response, the stars began moving and the moon started existing in the phases we know today. Additional supporting stories also credit the coyote for finding the names for each month. You could say that this controversial critter has played a monumental role in the indigenous culture of America!
