Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History

I was hoping to read individual stories about Coyote behavior. The upsetting part I needed to read dealt with the horrible poison war on coyotes for way too many years, an attack that may not be totally over yet, thanks to ranchers and perhaps even the government.

COYOTE AMERICA, A Natural and Supernatural History by Dan Flores addresses the evolutionary and spiritual influence of the oldest predator of the North American continent during its more than 1500 year saga of survival to avoid extinction by humans. In a very thorough study, Flores traces the mythical history of the American icon from its spiritual image for Native Americans to its present day embodiment in the Coywolf, a coyote-wolf hybrid now found in large numbers in the north eastern provinces of Canada.
Despite large scale and expensive national programs to eliminate the coyote it has survived and is presently found all over North America including a city or suburb near you. According to Flores it is these massive efforts to eradicate the coyote that triggered evolutionary forces of adaption which have allowed it to flourish and invade all parts of the continent.
Coyote America is a veritable encyclopedia of all things coyote from its image as a god for Native Americans, to efforts of the federal government to eradicate the species, to the iconic image of Disney’s Wile Coyote. The work includes a bibliography of about 100 books which Flores used to compile just about everything one would want to know about North America’s oldest predator.
Considering the present ecological consciousness, it is hard to imagine the costly efforts that humans have expended in recent history to eradicate a whole species of animals by poisoning, gunning down from airplanes or trapping. With the passage of the Endangered Species Act in 1973 and the influence of books such as Silent Spring we humans now realize the importance of all creatures to achieve a balance in nature between prey and predators.
Flores credits Walt Disney for popularizing the cult of the coyote and telling the coyote’s side of the story which Mark Twain and other disparaged by writing about what a “varmint” it was and the need to eradicate it from the earth. Disney popularized it cunning and attractive characteristics in films like The Coyote’s Lament and cartoons featuring the Road Runner to gain support for saving coyotes, the original trickster, from extinction.
The story of the survival and flourishing of the coyote can be a source of hope for the humans as we face enormous ecological challenges to the continuation of our own species. The basic evolutionary force appears to be for life and the coyote has shown us a way to overcome massive efforts to destroy its future. These four footed canines have continually adapted so that now they are stronger, more resilient and genetically more diverse than ever before. Can we learn from them?

Quality binding, informative in regards to man's historical interaction with coyotes in the American west. I was disappointed that the book contained little information in regards to the physiology, lifestyle or the coyotes relationship with man and the environment across all of it's range. There was very little information about this N. American icon anywhere other than a few western areas. The worst aspect of this book was that the author let his self righteous hypocritical liberal bias and viewpoint taint the text. He was even unable to silence his inner prejudices when commenting on
historical figures. An example of this unneeded rubbish is" his " observation on how individuals pronounce the word coyote. To state how an individual's pronunciation of a word has anything to do with their political leanings is absurd. For the record I can attest that I and and several of my fellow mid western hunters, naturalist and farmers call our wild canine a ki-ote. I did read the book fully hoping for useful information. I could have saved my time.

For much of the 20th century, Americans waged all-out war against animals they thought might threaten the livestock industry, primarily wolves, foxes, buffalo, and coyotes. The goal of the ranchers and government agents was complete eradication of any species deemed undesirable. Strychnine was thrown out like candy. Kill a horse, lace the body with strychnine, wait for the wild animals to come to the feast, and watch them die.

The buffalo fell, wolves and foxes were eliminated, but the coyote lived on. The prairies were littered with their bodies, but enough survived, learned from what they saw, and slunk away to find homes elsewhere.

Today there are significant coyote populations in every city in America. They’ve always been there, but now, living in close proximity to man, with an adequate supply of food and a cunning that is amazing, they not only live among us, but they thrive. They are comfortable in our cities. They’ve learned how to cross highways safely, where to den and bear their young, and how to avoid the guns and poisons of the prairies. At night they sing to us, and we listen with a sense of the yearning for a time that is no more.

Coyote America is the story of a balance of nature nearly destroyed by mankind, an environment that has been made toxic with our poisons, and of a species of animal that has many of the traits possessed by homo sapiens. Like us, coyotes have spread to all parts of America. They have thrived in environments far afield from the lands they once populated.

I love books that teach me things I didn’t know. This one, Coyote America, is a wealth of information. Written with a poetic flair, a bit of humor, and delicious turns of phrase and colloquialisms, the book is an absolute delight.

Who better could tell the coyote story than Dan Flores who sees it through the lens of a naturalist, a history writer, a story teller, and a human compassionate for other species. Flores weaves together science, history, and Native American myth to give a captivating portrayal of perhaps North America’s most wily survivor of humankind’s takeover of the land. Flores begins with describing the demigod status of the coyote in Native American lore and its grudging acceptance among early Caucasian settlers. He documents well, however, that things turned badly for the coyote in the late 1800’s as it was swept up in the attempt to exterminate predators of all kinds across North America. The wolf, being the larger cousin of the coyote, was an easier and more defensible target. As the wolf diminished, the coyote filled in the vacuum and went on to inhabit all of the contiguous states of the US, spilling into urban areas such as Los Angeles and New York where coyote sitings are now common. In spite of billions of US dollars spent on predator control directed at coyotes, the coyote has not only persisted but has increased both its range and numbers. Flores decries the predator control programs aimed at coyotes and funded by federal and state agencies and the wanton killing of coyotes by individuals and by groups in “coyote contests”. Flores ends with relating how the coyote has fluidly entered our modern culture, starting with Walt Disney’s production of Coyote’s Lament in 1961 and going through the many incarnations of Wile E. Coyote cartoons. Flores makes a convincing case for bestowing respect upon the coyote and for acceptance of its presence among us. The coyote is a prime example of how nature can be adaptive and resilient. I recommend Coyote America to all who would seek to understand our natural heritage in North America and also to those who would seek to suppress it.

Coyote America was one of my favorite books for both its content and compelling use of prose. Dr. Flores weaves a delightful tale of yet another opporessed animal predator. I just finished "Heart of a Lion" about the demise of the American cougar and though a well written and well researched work, it was ultimately sad and depressing to become even more vividly aware of the inevitable demise of this majestic apex predator.
Now along comes Dan Flores whose introductory section "American Avatar" was as riveting and uplifting as Robert Frost's "sheer morning gladness at the brim" (see The Tuft of Flowers). Those of us doubly blessed to love both science and especially natural history are the beneficiaries of Flores' hard work and not insignificant dollop of natural talent. The book can only be an act of love, love for his fellow naturalists, love for those who enjoy good literature, and especially those with a taste for history. Perhaps for some a little light on the science but Dr. Flores is after all an historian. This foundational book, written with intelligence and passion is a good place to learn a little bit about this attractive little canid who probably is your next door neghbor! Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History

This is a remarkable book that combines history, science, and popular culture in a compelling story of irrepressible nature. The coyote's roller-coaster biography, so lyrically and thoughtfully rendered by author Dan Flores here, is a rare tale of triumph - despite everything modern America did to wipe them out, coyotes are now in every state of the union except Hawaii. But Flores does more than just narrate facts, he explains why coyotes howl, why some people pronounce the animal name with two syllables while others use three syllables, why efforts to eradicate them ultimately failed, and why Walt Disney deserves much credit for promoting a more positive public attitude toward them. Flores is no environmental saint - he forthrightly confesses his early lack of coyote consciousness - but his abiding respect and appreciation for this wily creature is evident. Coyotes now live in all of our major cities - even New York City - and so, Flores argues, we must learn how to coexist with the coyote in our backyard...resistance is futile. A terrific read for anyone who has ever wondered about the little wolf that lived, a great bookclub selection, or the perfect gift guaranteed to produce an interesting conversation.

This enjoyable and easily readable book looks at the coyote, from prehistory when it split with the grey wolf line and trotted across the Bering landbridge to form the jackal tribe, to modern times when, with wolves almost extinguished, it has free rein to reproduce in almost every American state.

I learnt a lot and have to admire the resilient dog which is the target of persecution by farmers and city dwellers alike. Coyotes prey on rodents and rabbits, keeping down pests, but are considered pests themselves. With native legends of the Trickster behind them and an uncertain future ahead, the coyote is a fascinating topic and reflection of change on the American continent.

I downloaded a copy from Net Galley for unbiased review.

America’s history with the coyote is long and detailed, ranging from Native American legend and American species cleansing to the modern urban coyote populations. Dan Flores records that history here with a deliberate hand, full of respect and awe for the coyote without deifying them. This book is full of detail, and while far from comprehensive, it provides a digestible overview.

Dan Flores writes in a vivid, evocative style without veering into self-indulgent purple prose. His book’s arc follows the coyote more or less chronologically, explaining the ins and outs of America’s complex relationship with them. Occasionally his own experiences are peppered in for a personal touch and connection to the animal.

This book is recommended not just for animal enthusiasts or history buffs, but to anyone interested in the intriguing mythology and history of a remarkable creature. The legend of the coyote extends far beyond America’s attempted genocide, revealing a complex interspecies relation.

Recommended reading for lovers of dogs (all canids) and nature. Occasionally you have to weed through some bureaucratic history, but the book gives you a good sense of why coyotes should be respected.

For the last 100 years, coyotes have not only survived dedicated irradication efforts, they have expanded their territory and are thriving. Learn why and maybe we can learn from them.

Finally a book that covers coyotes is a realistic way. Written in clear and readable manner and backed up by observation and science! Great chapter on urban coyotes and how to coexist. Wonderful book! Kudos to the author!!

A well written book full of revelations about ourselves and the coyote. There is something for all readers- History, Earth history, pop culture, biology, and man's misdirected efforts to control nature and to improve upon for our own selfish needs.

Overly political, pedantic, boring diatribe muddled with opinions declared as scientific fact. Flores includes a few well-written stories of encounters with coyotes, and some interesting history, but not enough to justify the whole book, as even his lens is clearly skewed towards what he opines is the fallacy of our human nature for not worshipping coyotes. Don't waste your time.

Very informative and fun. laid out in way where it was exciting to read and also thought provoking. I tend to find very technical or scientific oriented books dry and hard to read. So this was a refreshing change about an animal I have been around my entire life. But never really knew much about. Also shout out to "theMeatEater" Steve Rinella for putting me onto this title. If you enjoyed this go check out anything involving Steve.

I had to continually stop reading to discuss and digest what I was reading on the page. It impossible to not be compelled to tell someone about the amazing story of these animals. This is book very well researched, well delivered and fun to read.

Not much for facts, just alot of activist opinion. No studies referenced to back his statement. just lifted info from other books. lots of boring info on how the coyote came to be called "coyote" do yourself a favor if you like this type of read pick up "the Voice of the Coyote" by J Frank Dolby

This book deals very little with the natural and supernatural history of coyotes. It involves maybe 25% of the book. The other 75% deals with the cruelty, depredations, and outright crimes of man against nature in pursuit of money or just plain bloodlust. If you love and appreciate nature, you are already aware of societal ills against the natural world. This book just provides more evidence with photos. I'm not sure who the target audience is...perhaps policy makers...or other intellectuals. If you appreciate coyotes, donate your $25 to a wildlife charity and save yourself some depression.

Flores either doesn't know, or is actively ignoring, the nature and capacity of his subject for the same sort of gleeful bloodsport that hunters engage in... He wrote an entire book without understanding or addressing, in detail, the root of why the coyote was villified in the first place.

Flores either doesn't know, or is actively ignoring, the nature and capacity of his subject for the same sort of gleeful bloodsport that hunters engage in... He wrote an entire book without understanding or addressing, in detail, the root of why the coyote was villified in the first place.