One of the few wild animals that actually survives out here, the coyote is sort of an unofficial mascot for post. For example, at the welcome center at the main gate onto post, and in front of the hospital too, there are coyote statues (the one above is the one from the main gate). As far as mascots go, guess it'd have to be either the coyote, the crow, or the desert tortoise - that's really all you see around here.
Interesting little superstition I learned when a friend transferred recently - if you want to never be stationed here again, blow a kiss to the coyote as you leave, then don't look at it again, even in the rear view mirror. Otherwise you're doomed to another tour here. All of us at her farewell lunch were laughing that we'll make SURE to not look at that coyote as we leave!
'Course actually living with the coyotes around here is a little more mundane. Part of your move-in paperwork includes warnings about making sure garbage cans are completely shut, since the coyotes will get into them, and to not approach, feed, etc the coyotes (the standard warning about feeding wild animals) and the interesting warning about keeping an eye on pets under 50 lbs. Apparently cats and small dogs are easy targets for the coyotes if they're left out if the yards or slip out or so on - something I never really thought about. Good thing our fuzzy ones are indoor pets!
So, yes, the coyote. Big, mangy-looking dogs that roam post. Won't be able to look at them ever again without thinking of this place.
(If you want cute coyote pictures and stories, check out The Daily Coyote, for pictures of Charlie and his friends - some gorgeous photos, she does a great job!)
Interesting little superstition I learned when a friend transferred recently - if you want to never be stationed here again, blow a kiss to the coyote as you leave, then don't look at it again, even in the rear view mirror. Otherwise you're doomed to another tour here. All of us at her farewell lunch were laughing that we'll make SURE to not look at that coyote as we leave!
'Course actually living with the coyotes around here is a little more mundane. Part of your move-in paperwork includes warnings about making sure garbage cans are completely shut, since the coyotes will get into them, and to not approach, feed, etc the coyotes (the standard warning about feeding wild animals) and the interesting warning about keeping an eye on pets under 50 lbs. Apparently cats and small dogs are easy targets for the coyotes if they're left out if the yards or slip out or so on - something I never really thought about. Good thing our fuzzy ones are indoor pets!
So, yes, the coyote. Big, mangy-looking dogs that roam post. Won't be able to look at them ever again without thinking of this place.
(If you want cute coyote pictures and stories, check out The Daily Coyote, for pictures of Charlie and his friends - some gorgeous photos, she does a great job!)
No comments:
Post a Comment