Coyote's lore is as old as America itself

The coyote has been a part of the North American landscape for as long as man has walked its plains and woodlands. Some see him as a wicked predator while others view him as a mystical ghost of the night. The truth is actually somewhere in between. "Coyote" comes from the animal's Aztec name "coyotl," and it was none other than Lewis and Clark who wrote the first description of the coyote during their 1804 expedition. At that time, the coyote's range was limited to the Great Plains. Settlers called them cased wolf, prairie wolf, medicine dog, phantom wolf and song dog. Coyotes adapted to the human influx and expanded their range with the spread of civilization and extirpation of the competitive gray wolf. They followed and scavenged behind pack trains traveling to Alaska during the 1898 gold rush and can now be found from the northernmost tip of Alaska south into Costa Rica and the tropics. Adults weigh 20 to 50 pounds and measure 4 feet in length, including a 12- to 16-inch-long tail. Reddish-gray, the coyote resembles a medium-sized dog. Its yellow eyes, bushy, black-tipped tail, and alertly pricked ears betray its domestic disguise. It can lope 25-30 mph, hitting 40 in short bursts. Scientists named him Canis latrans, which means "barking dog," a name that just doesn't make sense to me. Anyone who's heard them serenade the moon knows that the coyote's mournful cry can hardly be likened to the howl of a domestic dog, nor can the excited yips, yaps and wails of a night-roving pack or the roving loner be confused with most of Rover's woofs. The coyote appeared 500,000 years ago and is an expert at surviving a variety of adverse conditions. They'll run in packs or alone, hunting by day or night. They are omnivorous and will eat fresh meat from rodents to raccoons, birds and their eggs, carrion, snakes, insects and fish. They even have a sweet tooth. They'll forage in orchards and melon fields, sometimes even bypassing meat for a sweeter treat. They'll also stalk game such as deer, with injured and mobile fawns at the most risk. Coyotes have been known to raid domestic fowl and sheep, growing the fury of farmers. His keen senses aid him in finding food at times when other animals might starve. Does any of this make the coyote evil? Not at all. They're only doing exactly what they were created to do. The coyote has always held a prominent role in the culture of those who know him best: the tribes and cultures of Native Americans. He is the trickster and teacher, used as an example of how life should — and should not be — lived. Native Americans believe the coyote carries some of man's worst qualities. Their stories describe him as a trickster, disobedient, undependable, mischievous and foolish. He was at odds with other animals, could be sneaky, clever, an occasional thief, incompetent, proud, brave and shy. He was a stooge, the first straight man and a sometimes-accidental hero — all while capturing his place in the history and mythology of North America. Many stories concerning the coyote are imbedded in Native American lore. The coyote is credited with stealing fire from the sun and using his bushy tail as a makeshift torch. This is why the tip is black. Navajo war parties encountering coyotes felt their presence a bad omen, sufficient enough to call off a raid. The Hopi believed that Coyote brought corn to them, and the Trickster taught Apache warriors — including Geronimo — how to be invisible. Another story blames the haphazard placement of the stars on Coyote's cosmic bungling. He was given a big jar to carry and was told not to open it, but his curiosity prompted him to lift the lid and peek inside. The stars rushed out, singeing his nose as they escaped into the sky. Coyote caught a few and hung them in their proper place, but he grew impatient and let the others stay where they flew. Some of the stars, not securely fastened in place, occasionally fall to earth. This is why there are so few constellations, why there are shooting stars and why Coyote's nose is black. To study the coyote is to study mankind, and Stan Gehrt, professor and wildlife Extension specialist at the Ohio State University, understands this better than most. From monitoring populations in the greater Chicago area to his most recent research projects, Gehrt has discovered many truths and misconceptions about the medicine wolf. Under Gehrt's guidance, OSU is initiating a multiyear, statewide study of coyote ecology and management and its relationship with livestock. Samples are needed from harvested coyotes, including whisker, tooth and/or tissue samples. If you're interested in assisting with this study, email OHcoyote@osu.edu with your name, contact information and county. Additional information and instructions for specimen storage and details concerning relaying the samples to the research team will be provided. If you have questions, you can also email the team at OHcoyote@osu.edu Coyotes may be hunted with no season or bag limit, though a hunting license is required. Special regulations apply during deer gun seasons. Check the latest hunting digest for details. One thing is certain: Coyote is a survivor and will walk the earth for the many years yet to come. "Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and numbs my brain, I seek relief in the trail; and when I hear the coyote wailing to the yellow dawn, my cares fall from me — I am happy." — Hamlin Garland Along the way I'm a dog guy, no doubt about it. I've been there when they've been born and as puppies chased their tails, bounced after a rolling ball and aggravated the family cat. I've been frustrated during their training and become something of an expert at choosing new rugs. I've watched with pride as they made their first retrieve and felt my heart break when they had to leave me for their next great adventure. In my world, there's nothing as honest, loving and genuine as the devotion that those canine hearts offer us and I recently find my own once again broken. Sophie, our 5-year-young Bernese Mountain dog and enthusiastic couch crowder, unexpectedly took leave to pursue that adventure beyond our eyes — but not without our hearts. Pets have an uncanny way of bringing out the child in us — both the laughter and the tears. We owe them a great thanks for reminding us of the importance of joy, unconditional devotion and trust. They only expect a kind hand and a smile in return. To Sophie, "I'll see you later, big girl." "What to Do in the Darkness" – Marilyn McEntyre Go slowly Consent to it But don't wallow in it Know it as a place of germination And growth Remember the light Take an outstretched hand if you find one Exercise unused senses Find the path by walking it Practice trust Watch for dawn Step outside • The Ohio Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation contributed $50,000 to facilitate the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' purchase of a 1,252-acre Scioto County tract of land. The area lies adjacent to Shawnee State Forest, in a region nicknamed the Little Smokies of Ohio. Other funding sources include the ODNR via a Forest Legacy Program grant, the USDA Forest Service, the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. • Thursday and Friday: Trap and skeet, 5 p.m., UCOA, 6943 Township Road 243. • Feb. 6: Trap shoot, 1 p.m., Mount Blanchard Gun Club, 21655 Township Road 186, Forest. • March 26: Seneca County Pheasants Forever Fundraiser and Banquet, Meadowbrook Ballroom, Bascom. Proceeds benefit wildlife habitat projects. Visit www.senecacountypheasantsforever.org or call 419-934-3891 for more information. Abrams is a retired wildlife officer supervisor for the state Division of Wildlife in Findlay. He can be reached at P.O. Box 413, Mount Blanchard, OH 45867-0413 or via email at jimsfieldnotes@aol.com