Scrawny dog? No, make that a coyote spotted near Ijams

South Knoxville coyote. Not great photo quality but I shot it with my cell phone out the car window.
(I did manage to park the car first.) 

Driving to Ijams is always a joy for naturalists. With over 300 acres, you never know what you'll see or hear. 

Last Thursday, a flock of sandhill cranes flew past. Beavers, even otters, are sometimes seen in the river, both red and gray foxes are present and the birdlife varies with the season.

Two weeks ago, I saw something I had never seen. On my way to work just after crossing Chapman Highway on East Moody—the major in and out of the business district since repairs are being made to the Henley Street Bridge—there it stood; bold as brie.

At first glance, I thought I'd spotted a skittish, scrawny dog watching traffic from a hillside, yet, in a flash, I realized it was NO DOG. There was a coyote (Canis latrans) a scant two miles from downtown Knoxville, south of the river, during the noon hour, a brazen assault on my world view. Wow. (I think we all need flexible world views, don't you?)

Karyn Adams, president of the Ijams board, has seen one in that general area as well.

First a wily coyote, is a roadrunner too much to hope for?

Beep!  Beep!

- Stephen Lyn Bales