Wiley (Coyote)
Canis latrans
Coyotes are
one of the most successful large mammals to adapt to human interaction. They thrive living off of human rubbish, a dependable food
source. They are about 4 feet long
including their tail; they stand as high as 24 inches. They can weigh from 20-50 pounds. Their snout is long and slender. Their eyes are a piercing yellow to amber
color. If left to their own devices,
they are great at controlling ground squirrel and rodent populations. Sadly because of their reputation as a pest,
we are only able to rehab a few coyote puppies each season—only as many as we
have places to release them.
Wiley was a pet attempt gone
wrong. Hw was confiscated from a family that had him as a
young puppy. Once these puppies get accustomed to being around humans, they
lose their fear of people—probably their one greatest survival skill. Feeling comfortable approaching people,
especially children, creates a genuine danger for both the coyote and the
person. Wiley has been at Critter Creek
for many years and has grown into a strong, beautiful adult. When the wild coyotes in the surrounding
hills start their howling, Wiley quickly joins in, setting off quite a chorus
of conversation.