#NatureWritingChallenge Topic: A memorable animal encounter on public lands. Check out the challenge here.
(Note: Rules for this challenge include writing, unfiltered, on the topic for no more than one hour. Please forgive typos and incomplete thoughts )
From the Eyes of Coyote Lovely
It is a warm spring morning, the air is crisp, the buffalo are lazily grazing, and the deer stroll, reluctant to show their faces to passersby. I am hidden from sight, enjoying the return to peace from the harsh South Dakota winter – my second at Wind Cave National Park.
The high-pitched yip of my mother wafts on the light current of air and mixes with the fresh scent of prairie grasses. This perfect combination of invisible scent and promising sound caresses my youthful face. Mother has found the object of our delight: a mid-morning meal! Her voice stirs me to action and I call back to her so she knows that I heard her call.
I move into plain sight in the direction of my mothers’ voice. There isn’t much cover in the prairie, but my ability to move swiftly and my sandy colored hair keep me both safe and well-fed.
I see mother, she slows, intensely focused on the ground ahead. Though I am a football field behind her, I instinctively know to move along the diagonal to her right.
She crouches down behind the thick yellowish grass, and as I draw nearer, I can see the subject of our search. A whack-a-mole! My favorite! It stands, unsuspecting, apparently enjoying the same morning breeze that made me happy for springtime. I pray that mother does not miss this tasty delight.
A stillness sets in. I hear nothing but the sound of silent focus. I pause, anxious for the impending attack. My demeanor is calm – a practice that father taught so as to not draw attention.
Quickly – mother attacks as if brought to move by the very earth upon which we stood. She misses – the prairie dog narrowly escapes her grasp. The stillness breaks as the chatter of squeaking prairie dogs fills the air. They are laughing at us – popping their heads up from here and there in a chorus of victory!
I connect eyes with my mother, disappointed that this morning will not yield the tasty treat that beckoned me to move. Mothers frustrated glance told all that I needed to know: the hunt was off.
In the distance, I see a pair of observers – only two humans this time – standing by their car. I wonder what they must be thinking.
Concluding Thoughts
Thanks for bearing with me as I explored one of the coolest animal encounters that I have had in the parks from a different perspective. I kind of miss creative writing from my school days… (but I digress)
I was hypnotized by these beautiful coyotes at Wind Cave National Park. They moved in coordinated action to (unsuccessfully) prey upon prairie dogs during our visit. You can read more about our South Dakota adventures and itinerary here.
One quick tip: when you visit the parks, you will see a lot of wild life – animals that you might not expect! Please keep a safe distance. You will still have great stories to tell even if you don’t risk your life for a dangerous photo or “too close for comfort” contact.
My photos of the coyotes didn’t turn out great, so I thought I’d share a gorgeous one from Instagram (below).
Let me know about your favorite animal encounter in the comments below! I love to hear good stories!
