A very enjoyable sojourn on Hyde's ranch, where he learned to love coyotes and also learned to work with nature to maximize the productivity of his ranch. I love coyotes, despite having lost a cat to one, and this close look at a few was welcome. ( )

Surrounded by sheep ranchers who hate, revile and try to exterminate the coyote, Dayton Hyde takes a stand to protect and study this fascinating and resourceful animal on his cattle ranch. His informal investigations include examining the ecological benefits of having coyotes on his land and hand-raising a litter of coyote pups. Through his first-hand experiences with coyotes, Hyde proved wrong the long-held belief that they prey on cattle. "Don Coyote" was a ground-breaking wildlife study in 1986, and the American Library Association named it one of the ten top books of the decade.

Far from being a dry, scientific volume, this book is full of humor and set against the background of the author's life with his family-- who view his coyote dealings with long-suffering patience and continual amusement. It is a very personable story, and an old favorite of mine.

Original review at Dog Ear Diary ( )