Thomas Lee True West

Coyotes and ravens were my favorite animals when I was making regular visits to Yellowstone. They were survivors.

People who know far more than I told me that when wolves were reintroduced to the park, coyotes discovered that they were less afraid of people than the wolves. So whenever some wolf would harass a coyote, the coyote would head for the road.

I love that. Not only because it shows smarts and adaptability, but also because it meant I got way better pictures of coyotes than wolves. I saw the realities of their lives, both brutal and tender.