Wildlife Part 4 - Tanner Belcourt - Let’s Talk Coyotes
Follow Tanner Belcourt on Instagram: @tannerbelcourtphotography
Good Day Everyone! This week I had the great pleasure in talking and working with Tanner Belcourt, another local wildlife photographer to Alberta. When talking with her about collaborating on this next part in the Wildlife Series, I asked what animal she’d like to talk about. She greatly informed me that she would like to talk about the Coyote. “They share a special place in her heart and are often misunderstood so any positive exposure for them would mean a lot,” Tanner informed me while in our discussions. I couldn’t agree more and we often see Coyotes everywhere here in Alberta. I too believe they are often misunderstood and they are such beautiful creatures. I haven’t got the best photo of a coyote yet myself, only having had one good chance, but the one photo I do have I am very proud of as both the coyote and I were existing in peace in the same vicinity of each other. So without much adieu, I will like to introduce Tanner Belcourt as she talks about the Coyote.
Title: First Coyote
Photographer: Paige Brenneis - Lost For Photography
1. Introduce yourself. Where are you from and what type of landscape is around you?
I’m a wildlife photographer based in Calgary, Alberta, a city surrounded by diverse landscapes from vast prairies to dense forests and the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The proximity to both urban and wild spaces allows me to capture animals that thrive in remote wilderness areas as well as those that have learned to coexist within the city.
2. What got you to do wildlife photography as a field?
I have always had a deep appreciation and love for animals, having spent much of my life working closely with domesticated species. However, I was drawn to wildlife photography by a desire to witness and document animals in their natural environments, unfiltered and independent of human care. Through my work, I hope to give a voice to the natural world, inspiring a deeper appreciation for its beauty, encouraging conservation, and fostering a sense of coexistence with the wildlife around us.
3. What is your favorite animal to photograph and why?
Coyotes are, without a doubt, my favourite animal to photograph. There’s something about them that always pulls me in, their intelligence, adaptability, and the way they move so effortlessly through the world. They live all around us, deep in the wilderness, across open fields, and even in cities yet they often go unnoticed, slipping through the landscape like shadows.
The world’s favourite companion, our beloved dogs, share more in common with their wild cousins, the coyote, than one may realize. As close relatives in the canine family, they exhibit many of the same behaviours. The more time I’ve spent observing coyotes, the more these similarities stand out. They roll in the snow or grass with the same joy, gnaw on sticks like a playful pup, and tilt their heads in curiosity when something catches their attention. Just like dogs, coyotes form deep bonds with their family, playing, learning, and communicating in ways that feel so familiar. Those little moments, when their wild nature reflects something so close to home, make every encounter even more special. What I admire most about coyotes is their resilience. No matter the challenges they face, harsh weather, changing landscapes, or the constant pressure of living alongside humans, they find a way to survive and even thrive. They are independent yet deeply connected to their family units, playful yet fiercely intelligent. When you get the privilege of catching a small glimpse into their world, it feels like you’ve been let in on a secret, one that nature quietly shares. Every time I photograph them, I walk away with a deeper appreciation for their spirit, their adaptability, and the quiet but powerful presence they hold in the natural world.
That is very beautifully said and written, Tanner. You truly capture in a glimpse the true beauty, the mystery, and the wonders of the Coyote. I never thought to think of them like shadows in the world due to their ability to be stealthy, but now that I heard that, I will have a whole new view on coyotes. I have not noticed before, but yes I have to agree that they are quite quiet, have great relations to their family and pack, and they are definitely one of the closest, if not the most closest relative to our dog companions. I have had so many great encounters with these furry beauties and after reading just a little glimpse of your experiences with them, I will definitely be paying much more close attention with a curious eye to observe these creatures as well.
4. What are some very interesting, fun, and informative facts about your favorite animal to photograph?
Coyotes are fascinating animals, and the more I observe and photograph them, the more I appreciate just how incredible they are. Here are some of my favourite fun and informative facts about them:
Vocal Communicators : Coyotes are highly vocal animals, using a wide range of sounds like howls, yips, barks, and even noises that almost sound like laughter. Their calls can make it seem like there are more of them than there actually are, which often surprises those who hear them. While some people think coyotes howl to announce a fresh kill, they tend to stay quiet about their food to avoid unwanted attention. Instead, their vocalizations help them stay connected with family, defend territory, warn of danger, and greet their packmates.
Speed and Agility : Coyotes can reach speeds of up to 40 mph (~64km/h) and jump as high as 6 feet. They’re incredibly agile, which helps them evade predators and hunt with precision.
Natural Pest Control : A single coyote can eat thousands of rodents each year, playing a crucial role in keeping populations in check and helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem. By controlling rodent numbers, they also reduce the spread of diseases, making them an important part of nature’s pest management system.
Smart and Resourceful : Studies have shown that coyotes can solve complex problems, use teamwork while hunting, and even learn to recognize human behaviour patterns to avoid danger.
Diet : Coyotes are highly adaptable omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet varies based on location and season, but primary food sources include rabbits, rodents, squirrels, carrion, insects, and even reptiles. They also consume fruits, berries, and grasses, which can make up a significant portion of their diet, especially in warmer months.
Every time I photograph or observe a coyote, I feel like I’m capturing a glimpse of something truly special, an animal that has learned to survive in a constantly changing world while still holding onto its wild spirit. While I’m not affiliated with them, I highly recommend Coyote Watch Canada’s website, Instagram, or Facebook page as a great resource for learning more about coyotes and how to coexist with our howly neighbours
Website: Coyotewatchcanada.com
Instagram: @coyotewatchcanada
Facebook: Coyote Watch Canada
Wow I never knew that about coyotes, especially about their speed. That is incredible on how fast they can reach in speed. The calls the coyotes make are interesting as well. I always figured that coyotes would use their calls for hunting and I knew they used them to stay in touch with their family. Once, when I was camping with family at their lake lot, we heard a lone howl come from across the man-made pond that my relatives made. We turned on a flashlight, swinging it over to the ponds direction, and witnessed a young pup sitting there, calling out to its pack. We never did hear the reply from the pack but we were sure that momma could not be far away. That is one experience that sticks out in my mind from my childhood.
Living in a small town in Alberta, I have the great pleasure to hear the pack of coyotes call out in the night, sometimes even all night long. There have been times where they were just chilling outside my window, chatting away into the night. Even my dog, Winnie, heard them and was joining into their conversation. There was one time I got to experience the true beauty in the coyote calls. I was walking through Elk Island National Park with my niece, teaching her about Wildlife Photography and our local wildlife in the park, when we heard the bush erupt with noise. The coyotes in the park had cried out so loud that it made my niece stop in her tracks and a giant smile creep across my face. The sound, the experience of being able to witness that, it went straight down to my core. I knew they were not as close as they were sounding as they were more likely out in the farmers field just outside of the park, but being able to hear that is one thing I will never forget. I cannot even describe the sound, the feeling, in words as that is how incredible it truly felt. I am sure you had a few great experiences with Coyotes yourself, Tanner.
5. Did you have an experience or encounter with some wildlife that will forever stick in your mind?
There are a few wildlife encounters that I’ll never forget, but two in particular stand out. The first was last winter when I had the privilege of photographing a bonded pair of coyotes. I was positioned on a ridge overlooking the river, and down below, on an ice shelf, two coyotes were spending time together. From my vantage point, I got to observe some incredible behaviour. They were chasing each other through the snow, rolling around playfully, and eventually settled down to sunbathe side by side. The winter sun reflected off the ice as they stretched out, completely at ease. It was a beautiful glimpse into the deep social bonds coyotes share. Maintaining a respectful distance, I was able to capture the moment without disturbing them, simply observing and appreciating their connection. Ethical photography is always my priority, and I make sure to give wildlife plenty of space, allowing them to move naturally while I document from a respectful distance. Another unforgettable experience was watching three great horned owls perched side by side on fence posts. Seeing one owl up close is always special, but three together lined up was an unforgettable sight. They sat still, their sharp eyes scanning the landscape as the wind ruffled their feathers. The scene had the quiet power of a family portrait, strong, serene, and full of presence. Moments like that remind me how nature has its own way of speaking to us, if we take the time to listen.
6. Is there an animal you have not photographed but would love the chance to and why?
There are so many incredible animals I’d love to photograph, but at the top of my list would have to be wolves and polar bears. Wolves, with their mysterious, pack-driven nature have always intrigued me. Even though I’ve only read about them, their intelligence and strong family bonds they share is captivating. There’s a deep sense of unity within the pack, a silent understanding that allows them to function as one which I find both powerful and beautiful. I’d love the chance to witness this firsthand in the wild, to observe their dynamics and elusive beauty. Polar bears also hold a special place in my heart. Their resilience in navigating the harsh landscape is nothing short of inspiring. To photograph them would not only be a privilege but an opportunity to highlight the fragility of their world.
Oh wolves are beautiful and I have to agree on the mysterious, pack-driven nature of them. I too have not had a chance to photograph them all though I know there is a couple of them roaming around here in the Prairies. It has been rumoured that Elk Island National Park may have a small pack of wolves or so as local farmers mentioned sightings of them. There is a few places here in Canada that has some great wolves experience that I hope one day to attend. There is Parc Omega in Montebello, Quebec and there is one in Timmins, Ontario. The experiences for both is called Sleeping With The Wolves! It is a chalet with giant observation windows where you can observe a wolf pack from all sort of different angles. I feel this is greatly geared to wildlife photographers like ourselves and those who have a deep fascination for wildlife and nature alike. I have attached the links just below here.
Cedar Medows - https://cedarmeadows.com/sleeping-with-the-wolves/
Parc Omega - https://www.parcomega.ca/en/nature-getaway/sleep-with-the-wolves/
Polar Bears would be wonderful to be able to photograph. I hear there is some in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland And Labrador, as well in the territories of Nunavut, North West Territories, and the Yukon. They are also found in and near the Arctic Ocean. There is a tour in Manitoba called The Great Canadian Polar Bear Adventure. This adventure is in Churchill, Manitoba and is an experience where you can go witness Polar Bears in their natural habitat. This is one that would, I feel, be a great experience to witness while also seeing other areas of our great country with these beautiful wildlife around us. Would be an experience of a lifetime to witness both of these wonderful animals in their natural habitats.
Churchill, Manitoba Polar Bear Tours -https://greatwhitebeartours.com/
One of the wildlife I hope to one day get some great pictures of is either a Bald Eagle, as every time I see one my camera is not ready or not with me haha. The other animal I would love to be able to photograph other than a wolf, is Grizzly and Brown Bears. Bears have a special and warm place in my heart as I always get a feeling of softness and gentle vibe from them. Even though they can take me out with one swipe of their paw, I never have been frightened by bears. They give me a sense of calm some how and I do not know why. As well my dog Winnie is named after a famous bear, Winnie The Pooh. Yes the cartoon but the original one that is also Canadian which inspired Winnie The Pooh. The Winnipeg Bear. A bear cub bought by Harry Colebourn, a Canadian soldier and veterinarian, in White River, Ontario as he was on his way to Quebec to join in the fight in World War 1. When his troop was shipped off, Winnie was right there beside him. So yes, you can say bears hold a special place in my heart. To read the story about Winnie The Bear, I attached the article below.
7. How long have you done wildlife photography and what is one thing that you have learned that surprised you?
I first picked up a camera and began wildlife photography in 2021, and in the time since I’ve learned so much, not only about the art of photography but also about the animals I’ve had the privilege of photographing. One thing that truly surprised me is how much variety there is in the behaviour of different animals. Each animal approaches the world in its own way. Whether it’s the way a moose carefully surveys its surroundings, a coyote rolling in fresh snow, or a bald eagle returning to its favourite branch, each animal displays its own distinct patterns of behaviour. These experiences have reinforced how important patience and respectful observation are when photographing them.
I couldn’t agree more on that statement about wildlife photography. As someone who has been witnessing and observing wildlife for a long while, there is always a peace of tranquility when in their presence. Whenever I see any wildlife, whether its the coyote sauntering in a field, a deer elegantly prancing just outside a tree line of a forest, or the great Bison just soaking up the sun by a waters edge. No matter how big or small the wildlife is, I always find tranquility inside myself and all my worries just wash away even if its a short moment. Wildlife can teach us many great life lessons and will always remind us of the ones that have been told to us time and time again. They remind us to live in the moment, to enjoy the moments that are given to us. They remind us to stop and smell the roses, to love one another in each and every way we can. There have been many times where I saw all sorts of animals living in harmony, domestic and wildlife alike, where neither one was bothered by the other. I feel we can learn a thing or two from our animal kingdom neighbors.
Thank you, Tanner Belcourt, for once again collaborating with me this week to bring this wonderful blog post about coyotes. Together I feel we have shed some great positive light on these misunderstood creatures and I have learned a thing or two about them while making this blog post with you. I did not know that coyotes will also eat plants as I always thought that they were like foxes and would feast on rodents. That was a really cool fun fact to learn and it brought a smile to my face. After this blog post I sure hope that others will now view these wonderful creatures in a different light, to stop and observe them, because maybe, just maybe we will all learn a thing or two from them. All wildlife definitely have interesting behaviours and a wide variety of them that we would be able to see when we just stop and observe them even just for a moment. Thank you again, Tanner. This was a great pleasure to write and I am greatly honoured that you were willing to collaborate with me on this post. I hope you one day get to photograph some wonderful Polar Bears and Wolves to add to your photography collection. There are definitely some really great opportunities out there. To wrap it up, I want to share the final image you shared with me in our email communications. This last image is one that speaks to me. Not just in its colours but also in the power that it gives off. It gives off wonder and mystery just like this great creatures. If one observes it long enough, you can even sense the description you used to help describe the behaviours and stealth of a coyote. You can feel the shadows.
I hope everyone who visits this blog every week enjoyed this weeks little lesson on wildlife - The Coyote. We hope that you now know a little more about each of these animals that are featured each week in this series of blog posts. Please go follow Tanner on hers social media. I have linked hers instagram at the top of the blog post and under each of her images. She truly is a talented wildlife photographer and I hope one day to be able to capture a photograph or two of a coyote.
Tschüss!
