My Snow Walk on the Wild Side

It’s a day of cold and snow. I’m walking the nature road/trail I take almost every day. Everything is covered lightly in snow, and I inhale deeply, the cold crisp air I love.

When I get far enough along the trail I can see the full range of the mountains that surround me. I circle slowly to take in the beauty of the mountains that are much whiter than everything else. I feel grounded and this scene enriches me fully. I turn in a slow circle, and suddenly I stop dead … a coyote.

Uh, oh.

Not too far into the distance, he stands and watches me. I take my stand and stare him down to show I see him, and that I’m not going to run. I feel a slight nervous caution with an acute presence.

He starts to trot as he watches me. I look in one direction down the road, and then in the other. The road is completely devoid of the usual smattering of folk who walk along here. Then he turns away from me and begins to trot off in the other direction. Ahhh, he has no interest in me.

Yes, just keep going in that direction … you’re doing great, thank you.

I resume my walk. Despite my unease, I can’t help but feel some compassion for this creature.

I recall other people saying they’ve seen coyotes along this trail in recent weeks. It’s winter, the coyotes are having some trouble finding food and they are hungry. This creature didn’t look emaciated. He was beautiful. I’ve walked this trail for years and have never heard of coyote sightings until this winter. I’ve only heard them in the distance. They are looking for small dogs, and people warn others to keep their dogs on leashes. I walk alone and have no dog that would be of interest to a coyote.

Dogs eating dogs.

I search the ground and pick up a rock with nice pointed edges … just in case. I turn to look behind me from time to time to make sure he isn’t trailing me. I remain calm even though I decide to quicken my pace a little. The gas station is just ahead.

I approach the end of the road and then turn to head back. I scan the open field where I’d seen him, trusty rock still in hand. I notice a wire fence along the area where I’d seen him. If he wants me he can leap that fence, no problem but my furry friend is nowhere in sight. It seems these creatures have no interest in humans though, and I’m grateful. Hope it stays that way.

Now I feel no call to fear this creature; he belongs here after all. My nervousness at the sight of him has abated. I hope he survives this winter which is colder than usual for these parts. I’m sure he will be fine.

As I make my home stretch, I note the cold and barren street. I guess no one likes the cold. What kind of Canadians are you, eh?