The Underrated Hunter of Yellowstone

When people visit Yellowstone, most have a wish list.

They hope to see wolves, grizzly bears, moose, or perhaps a mountain lion if they're incredibly lucky.

Very few people arrive hoping to see a coyote.

I think that's a mistake.

Coyotes are some of the most entertaining animals in Yellowstone. They are intelligent, adaptable, and full of personality. Unlike wolves, which often travel long distances across the landscape, coyotes are frequently seen hunting close to the road, giving visitors an incredible opportunity to watch them in action.

One of my favorite things to observe is a coyote hunting.

They move with purpose, ears constantly turning to listen for the slightest sound beneath the grass or snow. Then, almost without warning, they leap high into the air and dive headfirst toward their prey. Sometimes they're successful. Sometimes they come up empty. Either way, it's fascinating to watch.

Coyotes are opportunists.

They hunt rodents, rabbits, birds, insects, and anything else they can catch. They'll also take advantage of larger predators by scavenging leftovers from a wolf or bear kill. They have learned to survive by being flexible, and that's one of the reasons they've been so successful across North America.

People often compare coyotes to wolves, but spending time watching both makes you realize they each have their own place in Yellowstone.

Wolves rely on the strength of the pack to hunt large prey and defend territory. Coyotes usually depend on their own speed, intelligence, and persistence. They're smaller, quieter, and often overlooked, but no less impressive.

Some of my favorite Yellowstone mornings have included nothing more than watching a single coyote work a meadow for nearly an hour. There was no dramatic chase or exciting kill. Just a wild animal doing exactly what it has evolved to do.

Those quiet moments are what Yellowstone is all about.

The longer you watch wildlife, the more you begin to appreciate the little things. A coyote pausing to listen. The way it changes direction when the wind shifts. The patience it shows before making one final leap.

It's easy to drive past a coyote on the way to look for wolves.

I hope you don't.

Sometimes the most memorable wildlife encounters come from the animals we almost overlooked.

Discover the Wildlife Most Visitors Miss

Some of Yellowstone’s most memorable moments come from slowing down and paying attention to the animals others drive right past. Experience the park at a different pace and discover the stories waiting to be told.

Plan your private Yellowstone wildlife adventure and experience more than just the highlights.