AS THE LAST TWILIGHT FADES TO DARK,
I HOWL, I SING, I YIP, AND BARK.

WHY DO I HOWL? ALL WANT TO KNOW,
AM I SAD, GLAD OR YOWL FOR SHOW?

WELL, THAT’S HOW I COMMUNICATE,
I DEBATE, RELATE, FIND A MATE.

YET SOMETIMES ALL I WANT TO SAY,
IS I’M HERE, ALIVE ON THIS DAY.

FOR MY LANGUAGE IS OLDER THAN WORDS,
MUCH LIKE THE SINGING OF THE BIRDS.

Today is April Fools Day, and what animal would be a better choice to begin this new wildlife blog than the coyote, who in Native American lore is known as the prankster, keeper of the magic, and fun loving.

Coyotes live in all parts of this country: in wilderness areas, ranches, and residential neighborhoods. Over centuries there have been great efforts by ranchers and home owners to eliminate the controversial coyote. But this resourceful and intelligent animal continues to thrive.

To many, the coyote’s most notable feature is their voice, in which, as a social gesture, they express their feelings to the world. And when we hear this, it can be very moving and touch our souls too.

Coincidentally, early this morning, while walking, a coyote crossed the trail in front of me, looked at me, and, I imagined he was saying ……

WATCH OUT! It’s April Fools Day!