I had no idea what to do.
We both seemed surprised.
The area has a lot of nature, but it isnt rural by any stretch of the imagination.
The next morning, I spoke with Martine Colette, directorWildlife Way Station.
She said that sort of encounter has become a fairly common situation these days.
Our native wildlife have had no options except to become urbanized, she continued.
Our urban sprawl has been so significant in encroaching into all areas where wildlife lives.
Theyve really have not much choice but to learn how to live with us.
They have done a fairly good job at it!
Because of this, according to Colette, its up to us to learn to live with them.
And it might have thought Id feed it.
People also feed coyotes, which is a very dangerous thing to do.
Once an animal associates food with people, theyll be waiting for a hand out.
It also obviously creates situations where they approach the wrong, unsuspecting human.
Dont feed the animals, no matter how cool it seems.
I asked Colette if thats what I should have done.
But you gotta be awarewhat are the animals intentions?
If its prudent to do so, step back and stop; step back and stop.
I asked how I would know if the animal had bad intentions.
Colette says that would have been a huge mistake.
Never never run, I dont care what it is, never run.
It triggers that prey predator mechanism when you start to run.
All predators have a mechanism to chase anything that runs.
They cant help it, so you have to restrain yourself.
But this isnt just a suggestion for hikes, as my experience shows.
If youre walking a small dog at night, bring a walking stick with you just in case.
Demeanor is important because they read fear very well.
