Friday morning I was Columbia, MO bound. I planned to meet colleagues at a mall on the eastern edge of the metro area so I didn't have to drive into the city and deal with intense rush hour traffic.
I have a favorite route from home to the interstate and main roads east of us. Hills, windy roads, fields and livestock characterize this route -- all of which remind me of home (Franklin County, VA). I frequently see horses, cattle, deer and wild turkey, and as I pass over creeks in the early morning or early evening, I can smell the coolness of the water. Takes me back to my country girl roots.
So, Friday morning I'm driving this beloved route, and at a stop sign, I notice a white-tailed deer running through the horse pasture. The white tail was vertical, much like a flagpole, and from the stance, I knew this doe was running for her life. I turned right and took my time -- not knowing if she was the first of a few spooked deer. To my surprise, a coyote crossed in front of me, heedless of the car, but definitely after breakfast. The coyote stopped at the edge of the road, sniffing for Bambi (as I dubbed her). By then, Bambi had jumped the fence and was into the next field.
This coyote was healthy -- I think it was a female, but I didn't get to examine it too closely. I was stunned by its speed and how it had no concern about my vehicle coming towards it. If you've been to the Grand Canyon, you've probably seen coyote -- the ones I saw were rather scrawny (in March) and were looking for tourist handouts. I also saw a few in Sun City, AZ -- same time of year, and also somewhat scrawny. The Missouri cousin looked quite healthy -- beautiful, strong, and determined to have Bambi for breakfast.
I'll look out for this coyote and his/her family at this intersection from now on!
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