The Stalker

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

I have been observing a small herd of deer for most of this year. This herd includes three does with fawns (yearlings). Today I was in position to observe them when I noted a coyote stalk the does and the fawns. I was able to observe the coyote approach. When the coyote got to within forty yards of the deer, I noted the coyote started to crawl including keeping its head close to the ground. The coyote was apx. 30 yards away when one of the does noted it approach. The doe faced and stared at the coyote at times stomping one of its rear feet at the ground the other does also did this followed by the fawns. At times the does (all three of them) and two of the fawns would urinate. This went on for apx 20 min. before the does closed the distance with the coyote to apx. 20 yards. The does stopmed the ground with their rear legs (alternating them) and were joined by two of the fawns who also repeated what the does where doing. The third fawn stayed back but was twitching its tail quite a bit. This went on for another 10 min. when the coyote crawled backwards apx. five yards and got up and backed away for apx. 10 yards before turning and walking off. The deer kept a look out for another 20 min. before resuming grazing.

Daryl · Posted: 12/19/2003, 11:16 am Post subject:

The coyotes were looking for easy prey. What you didn't see were the 4-5 other coyotes looking for a chance to grab one of the does while the one you saw kept their attention.

While training search dogs, we saw a coyote fake a limp to get our dogs to chase it. When one of the dogs did, we saw several other coyotes waiting in the direction the fake limper was luring the dog. Luckily we were able to call the dog of easily.

They are very smart animals.
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Wiz · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 61

Hey! I posted on this thread this morning - where did it go?

Oh well, the gist was: Great report, thanks! and how do you observe the herd so closely without spooking them?
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"...A man who knew that he had to do what he knew he had to do, and knew it!"

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

I was fooling around with cut and paste. Maybe soon I can figure our how to submit photo's.

Shihiyea · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 1135

GTG · Posted: 12/20/2003, 1:08 am Post subject:

Shihiyea · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 1135

Alone or as a group? If we go as a group, let's make sure there are plenty of gnomes that come along, especially the very little, slow and limping gnomes. Is there anyone out there that matches this description? If so, I'm up for that trip. Mary

Wiz · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 61

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

paintninaz · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 3515

Wiz · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 61

Shihiyea · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 1135

Wiz · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 61

Shihiyea · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 1135

Exactly! Merry Christmas! Mary