How to Get Close Photos of a Coyote

Coyotes are found throughout much of the United States.

Coyotes are a species of canine, related to wolves, wild dogs and jackals. Coyotes have a large range, from Panama to the northern reaches of Canada and Alaska. They are found in swamps, grasslands and forests but can be seen in semi-populated urban and suburban areas, due to their tolerance of humans and human activity. Photographers looking to snap a close-up shot of this animal need to learn their travel and living patterns, be equipped with a powerful telephoto zoom lens and be patient.

Things You'll Need

• Telephoto camera lens
• Tripod

Instructions

1. Study your local coyote population in order to track and locate them. Knowing the location of coyotes is the first step in scoring a close-up picture of one. Coyotes -- who sometimes travel and live in packs -- make noise when hunting or claiming territory. Listen for their barks, yips and high-pitched whines at night to determine if any coyotes are in your area.

2. Locate a coyote's den, bedding area or hunting grounds by following their tracks. Proceed with extreme caution because coyotes will protect their offspring or den areas. Coyote tracks are oval-shaped, roughly two inches long by two inches wide and look very similar to that of a domesticated dog. Coyote markings will have sharper nails tracks and will be more symmetrical. Follow these tracks to locate coyotes.

3. Use a heavy, dead animal carcass as bait to draw coyotes out of hiding. Place bait in a heavily-trafficked area filled with coyote tracks. Use a hunter's coyote call once the bait has been placed to stir even more activity. Securely tie and stake your bait to the ground so coyotes don't carry it away from your subject area.

4. Once you have located a den or hunting ground, made your calls and placed your bait, set up your camera on a tripod far away from the location. Remove yourself as far as possible from the scene in order to maintain a sense of stealth. Like hunting, wildlife photography will not work if the animal senses your presence and becomes spooked. Set up your camera and tripod system as far from your subject as your lenses' zoom capabilities allow. Once a coyote wanders into your field of view, take as many photos as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a tree stand and hunting camouflage is an available option that allows wildlife photographers to mask themselves from animals.

• Photograph with a partner or tell a friend your planned itinerary. This will help you survive in case of an emergency inside of a coyote's habitat.

References

• Photographing Coyotes; Wyman P. Meinzer
• University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Canis latrans coyote
• Alderleaf Wilderness College: Coyote Tracks and Signs
• National Geographic: Animals: Nat Geo Wild: Coyote Canis latrans
• Tips for Photographers: Telephoto Lenses -- Wildlife Photography Tips Part 1/2
• Digital Photography School: 10 Tips for Great Telephoto Photography

Resources

• U.S. Department of Agriculture: Coyotes