This happened a few years ago, and taught me how easy it is to blend in to the scenery while plein-air painting. I had found a nice secluded spot at the bottom of the ravine, nestled in up against the trees, looking at the other side of the ravine and beyond. I’d been there for a little over an hour, when out of the corner of my eye, I saw some movement off to my right. Stopped 20’ away is a coyote, with 2 others following down the path, looking at me.
The coyote looked genuinely surprised and startled to see me. I generally have the impression that coyotes see you coming long before you know they are there. This time, because I was hidden and quiet in the trees, I took them by surprise.
The coyote growled, then motioned to the two following to keep moving …
Not really knowing what to do, I took out my pocket knife. And waited to see what the coyotes would do next.
The coyotes left and proceeded up the other side of the ravine. I took a deep breath and continued my painting.
When the lead coyote got to the top of the bank, about 300 yards away, he started to howl at me. This went on for a few minutes (seemingly 10) and was unnerving. Finally he started walking away. But then he returned and started howling again. At this point I packed up my gear and left.