Coyote (Canis latrans)

The Coyote

by Alice Delaney

The coyote is really a very smart one,

She prefers the night to get her work done.

Though she likes night better, sometimes it’s true,

That the need arises & day appearances will do.

Adaptability makes her good at the game

Of surviving when nothing at all stays the same.

Habitat: that’s food, shelter, water & air-

Can change almost completely & the coyote will fare.

She watches her prey for 30 minutes before,

So small mammals do not know what soon is in store.

She also eats fruit, insects & reptiles,

And dead animals (or carrion), for miles & miles.

To defend territory & to communicate,

To socialize, too & locate a mate,

A coyote howls (a fact they’re known for);

Indeed, you have heard ’em; it isn’t folklore!

A coyote’s like a fox, no a dog… well you see,

Canids (you’ve heard canines) each of them happen to be.

They’re abundant in number & unseen by you or me,

All because of the coyote’s adaptability.