Timeless Truths on ATTITUDE & MOTIVATION

A model of adaptability, teamwork and courage for people to emulate

The Navajo Indians call the coyote “God’s dog,” and appropriately so. Despite seemingly overwhelming odds, namely a growing, mechanized, often hostile human world, coyotes are thriving, as if immortal. Thus, they serve as a model of adaptability, teamwork and courage, worthy of emulation.

Because they eat sheep, coyotes are hated by ranchers. Because they sometimes prey on game animals, coyotes are hated by hunters. As a result, they have been shot, clubbed, poisoned, trapped, gassed, and even electrocuted. When a dead coyote was strung up in a small Maine town, passers-by spat on the carcass.

Yet, the coyote lives on, expanding its range at a time when its natural habitat is rapidly being populated and urbanized by people. These perseverant animals are now found from Costa Rica to the Arctic, from the Pacific to the Atlantic. They have even moved into large cities like Los Angeles, where they have been seen lapping up water from swimming pools and nonchalantly trotting down Sunset Boulevard!

The coyote’s success is due to its incredible adaptability. Coyotes are known to, almost instantaneously, alter their habits and ways of thinking to adapt to sudden changes in their environment - something which most humans are reluctant to do, even when necessary.

Coyotes will hunt by day or night, whichever is most productive. They will eat fresh meat or carrion, berries or lizards, garbage if necessary. They usually hunt alone, but when circumstances dictate, they will hunt in teams — a practice unheard of among other wild species. One coyote will chase a rabbit while another waits behind a nearby bush, ready to pounce. When the kill is made, they feast together.

Naturalists have documented other coyote hunting tactics. For example, two coyotes see a prairie-dog near its hole. One hides while the other approaches. Dog dives into hole. Coyote one walks by. Dog peeks out. Coyote two pounces. End of prairie-dog.

Coyotes also join forces with badgers. Badgers are slow, but they dig well. Coyotes are quick, but can’t dig. So the badger digs a prairie-dog out of a hole and the coyote nabs the dog. Together they enjoy a meal.

The coyote’s will to survive, its sheer courage, is also astounding. Coyotes have had their jaws shot off, been blinded by buckshot, and still survived. A female coyote seen in Michigan had only stubs for front legs. It hopped like a kangaroo. Another was seen running on only its two right legs.

While the coyote is, perhaps justifiably, scorned by many, it is still the epitome of adaptability, teamwork and courage - the very qualities which humans need to muster to achieve their goals in a rapidly changing world. So, we might do well by emulating the remarkable animal, whether scourge or “God’s dog.”

Here’s what you can do: Emulate the coyote. Remain flexible, expect change, and when it comes, adapt to it. Work better as a team. Strive toward your goals courageously even when circumstances do not seem favorable.

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