Like most things in life, things happen when you're not paying attention.
But unfortunately, things happen even if you are paying attention.
Just last week, circa 4:00 p.m., I was feeding the two goats their grain,
as I always do,
holding the bowl while they shared.
as I always do,
holding the bowl while they shared.
Upon looking out into the clearing,
I see 2 coyotes trolling in the field in front of the pig fencing and round pen.
I see 2 coyotes trolling in the field in front of the pig fencing and round pen.
I was standing in the background under the shade trees.
I watched for about 8 minutes, as two coyotes trotted and circled the fencing, frustrated at the rabbits who were thumping their hind legs and flitting about, running for cover,
unlike these contented rabbits pictured below...
The next day, Russ and I walked the portable fencing to double check all the connections.
unlike these contented rabbits pictured below...
The next day, Russ and I walked the portable fencing to double check all the connections.
We found where "something" had tried to bolt into the fencing
and flipped the fencing upside down, in the corner.
We knew it had to be one of the coyotes trying to enter.
and flipped the fencing upside down, in the corner.
We knew it had to be one of the coyotes trying to enter.
Had it been our pigs, it would have been from the inside out,
and they would have made their way through.
and they would have made their way through.
As it stands, our pigs have never tested the fencing since the original poke.
This isn't the first time we've seen coyotes in broad daylight.
It's becoming an almost daily event.
You'll note below, the coyote isn't even alarming our horses.
That's an indicator he's been through many times.
The morning I scared him off by the horses, he circled around and came in closer...
And, unfortunately, two weeks ago,
Mr. Jitters (my Heritage breed JAVA rooster)
was snagged by a coyote, near our main cabin.
I loved that rooster...he was my favorite of all 5.
Needless to say,
I always carry my little Marlin with me now,
when I head out on trails.
Just in case a couple coyotes try to mingle too closely with my trusty dog, Zip.
Bear in mind, I would not shoot at a coyote, just shoot to scare if off.
Although per Michigan DNR:
Coyote may be taken on private property by a property owner or designee all year if they are doing or about to do damage on private property. A license or written permit is not needed.
Bear in mind, I would not shoot at a coyote, just shoot to scare if off.
Although per Michigan DNR:
Coyote may be taken on private property by a property owner or designee all year if they are doing or about to do damage on private property. A license or written permit is not needed.
Zip lets me know if she smells a coyote, either on the ground, or in the wind.
She's not a fan...and the hackles standing up on her back indicate such.
But even knowing they are a predator, I'm fascinated by them.
But even knowing they are a predator, I'm fascinated by them.
Until tomorrow, God willing...
Speaking of tomorrow...I plan on giving you a tour of our place in the next couple days...
so you can figure out just what's what, and where we are.
Perhaps we can connect the dots.
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