Indigenous people who live alongside coyotes always knew. They call them “the trickster”. Also known as song dogs, coyotes are one of the most adaptable mammals we share space with. Smart. Wily, even!
adjective
- Full of wiles, tricks, or stratagems; using craft or stratagem to accomplish a purpose; mischievously artful; subtle.
One of their more remarkable adaptations is their ability to play with sound. They deliberately combine wavering howls, staccato yips and rapidly changing pitches of yaps, bouncing their calls off of rocks, trees and hillsides. The effect is one I’m sure you’re familiar with. It sounds like a formidable pack of coyotes. When, in reality, it is likely just a mated pair. They are intentionally misleading all who can hear their voices. It’s a defense of territory, a bluster. “Don’t come over here, there’s a whole gang of us!”
It’s part of their survival strategy. A very effective strategy. Most animals, humans included, have ways of avoiding confrontation. We all have differing tactics, but the intent is the same. Direct confrontation is risky. 
The coyote’s sound engineering is an auditory illusion called the Beau Geste effect. A beautiful gesture. Birds, crickets and frogs also use sound this way.
noun
- A gesture noble in form but meaningless in substance.
- A gracious gesture, noble in form but often futile or meaningless in substance.
For coyotes, family groups (monogamous pairs and their young) use yip-howls to promote family bonding and create an auditory fence around their home turf. Their howls carry up to three miles away.
The next time you hear a raucous, frenzied mob of coyotes calling in the night, appreciate the unique vocal repertoire of the coyote and remember they are fewer and farther than they seem. 
If you’re interested in purchasing or licensing any images you see here, please email me at SNewenham at exploringnaturephotos.com, and I’ll make it happen.
Subscribe here to receive an email whenever a new blog posts.
Discover more from Exploring Nature by Sheila Newenham
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.