by Ellison Photography
As we bundle up in the throws of a cold Winter, Coyotes on the other hand are becoming more active and verbal….and why? It is MATING SEASON! It is a short and intensive time for two coyote mates to prepare for their new family, as the alpha female is only fertile for a short three week period of time in a year….and that time takes place in January or February. Even if there are other females in the family capable of becoming pregnant, the ALPHA FEMALE is the only one that does….Coyotes practice serious birth control.
So ONCE A YEAR, AND ONLY THE ALPHA FEMALE. Know that this is an ancient ritual practiced by STABLE COYOTES….THOSE WHO DO NOT EXPERIENCE HUMAN PERSECUTION AND DISRUPTION OF THEIR LIVES.
And so you may hear them communicating with each other very frequently now, as they wish to stay in close contact with each other….and they are also celebrating the new life they are creating! So rejoice with them.
This is also a time of the year when other members of the coyote family decide what they are going to do with their lives…those who were born last year may decide to remain with the family for a few years and become the “Aunts” and “Uncles” of the new pups….assisting the alpha mates in the care of the little ones ….a daunting and busy responsibility. Another member of the family may take this time to leave the family and disperse….searching for a territory and a mate of their own.
So LISTEN….ENJOY THE TRACKS YOU SEE….and know that in the quietude of Winter here in Maine we are priveleged to have this NEW LIFE manifesting itself witin the warm body of a female coyote…we are priveleged to await the birth of this amazing American wild dog….and as the Navajos spoke…GOD’S DOG.
