THE YELLOWSTONE COYOTE: FROM TOP DOG TO UNDERDOG

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary offers a compelling look at the complex ecological role of the coyote within Yellowstone National Park. The narrative skillfully traces the species' journey from apex predator following the eradication of wolves in the 1920s, to its current status as an underdog facing renewed competition. The film highlights the coyote's adaptability, particularly its social structure with lifelong mating pairs and the male's active role in raising pups. It details their diet, primarily small rodents, and their crucial reliance on scavenging wolf kills during harsh winters. The presence of other predators like grizzly bears and mountain lions further underscores the dynamic challenges coyotes face. This exploration provides valuable insight into the delicate balance of predator-prey relationships and the continuous evolutionary pressures within a protected wilderness.