Caught on camera: Hikers stumble upon howling coyote in San Diego desert
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — An afternoon hike in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park turned eerie for a group of evolutionary biologists a few weeks ago.
John Powers and a group of his colleagues from UC Irvine were visiting the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center in mid-March to meet on the phylogenomics of schiedea, or the evolution of flowering Hawaiian plants.
The biologists hiked up a canyon behind the research center to look for flowers in bloom, which is something many curious nature lovers have done this season. The barren wilderness of northeastern San Diego County has come alive in color this spring following a rainy winter.
Wildflower map: Pro tips to finding blooms at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
It was then that the group stumbled upon something other than flowers. While entering a canyon, a coyote appeared atop of a boulder and started howling into the sky. John captured the moment with his camera.
To their surprise, another coyote answered the call from further back in the canyon.
9 experiences in San Diego that are a must, according to National Geographic
“We had been hearing them close to the reserve but never so early in the evening with the sun still up,” said John. “We had a hunch that the one in front was telling its friends in the back that humans were in their territory, but who knows? Maybe they were just ready for dinner.”
John’s hunch is most likely true. According to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, coyotes howl primarily to communicate with other coyotes. This includes howling at members of their family within their territory or howling to defend their territory from intruders.
Nonetheless, the parallel of desert sand and radiant flower blooms was indeed heightened by the song of scavengers in the wild.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
