The Little One's Journey of Bravery and Wit

The Little One © Chris LeBoutillier

I had the opportunity to spend numerous hours over three months observing the growth of this pack. The mother would always emerge first to ensure it was safe for the pups. The Little One was the first to venture out and the last to return for the night. He was a bold and inquisitive coyote, spending hours exploring his environment. His littermates often followed him, eager to see what he was doing. He learned quickly and could hold his ground when confronted by his bigger littermates.

The Little One's Mom

Contained within are The Little One's adventures on Guemes Island, Washington. His courage and curiosity occasionally led him into precarious situations. You will find yourself captivated by The Little One. Experience it all through my perspective.

Journey of Bravery and Wit

In the heart of the dense woods, where the towering trees stood, there lived a remarkable coyote known as the Little One. Within is about his extraordinary journey, from being the smallest of the pack to becoming the bravest and wisest among his littermates. Over three magical months, I observed and photographed these enchanting creatures as they played, learned, and grew in their grassy haven.

The Little One was born smaller and seemingly weaker than his littermates. As the small one of the pack, he often found himself at a disadvantage when competing for food and attention. However, what he lacked in size, he more than made up for in intelligence and courage. It was clear from the start that the Little One stood destined for greatness.

Despite his smaller stature, the Little One quickly learned to outsmart his stronger littermates. Whether sneaking away with the juiciest cherry or finding the safest hiding spot during play, he always seemed one step ahead. His keen intellect and quick thinking became his greatest assets, and his siblings soon learned to respect and admire him for it.

Courage knows no size, and the Little One proved, time and again. When danger approached, he stood firm, protecting his siblings with unwavering courage. Whether it was fending off a curious predator or exploring the unknown corners of their territory, the Little One faced every challenge head-on. His bravery was not born out of recklessness but rather a deep sense of responsibility and love for his pack.

The pack's den was on the edge of a large grassy area, a perfect playground for the young coyotes. Here, he would chase butterflies, pounce on sticks, and engage in playful wrestling matches. Despite his struggles, he became the heart of these activities. His lively spirit and infectious energy brought joy and cohesion to the group. Every minute was an opportunity to learn, grow, and bond.

I witnessed the Little One's incredible transformation. From a vulnerable Little One, he blossomed into a resilient leader. Each photograph captured a moment of his journey—his curious eyes peeking from behind a bush, his triumphant stance after a playful victory, and his protective posture when guarding his siblings.

The Little One's story is a testament to the power of intelligence, bravery, and the unbreakable bond of family. In the wild, where survival often hinges on strength and dominance, the Little One showed that leadership and greatness come from within. His journey showed me that no matter how small or insignificant we may feel, we all have the potential to rise above our challenges and leave an indelible mark on the world.

Reflecting on the time I spent with the Little One and his pack. I am in awe and admiration for these amazing creatures. The coyote world, wild and untamed, offers lessons that resonate deeply with our lives. The Little One's tale is one of hope, courage, and the enduring spirit of adventure.

The Cherry Hunt

Little One soon uncovered the source of the vibrant red cherries scattered on the ground beneath the tree. After enjoying each delightful bite of the sweet cherries that had fallen, Little One eagerly circled the sturdy trunk, attentively listening for the soft, satisfying sound of another cherry dropping from above. His growing curiosity drove him to gaze upward into the lush, leafy branches. At that moment, a spirited Cedar Waxwing appeared, its vivid feathers shimmering in the sunlight. Little One realized the bird was joyfully dropping cherries from the branches above. Excited by this exciting discovery, he hurried to enjoy the dropped cherries, attentively watching his avian companion, awaiting the next cherry to fall from the tree, a reminder of the splendor of happy moments.

Mom On Watch

Mom on Watch

The mother of the Little One was extremely watchful, always keeping a vigilant eye on her pups. On this specific day, I found it particularly challenging to spot her. I kept searching for Mom to ensure I wasn't causing her any stress. She was blending in remarkably well with her surroundings that day. While I focused on locating her, I didn't notice the Little One quietly inching closer. 

When I finally shifted my gaze to him, he was merely five feet away and closing in. Before I could react, he had pressed his nose against the lens hood of my camera. At that moment, I understood where Mom was and realized she was observing me closely. I shouted at the Little One to GO AWAY! It was vital for me to teach him that humans are not his friends, and I wanted to prevent any sense of threat to his mother. It hurt me to do that to him, but it was necessary for his safety. 

As the Little One moved away, I kept yelling at him to KEEP GOING. He turned around and gave me the most sorrowful look. He then made his way to join his siblings for some rest. 

Unbeknownst to him, trouble was looming later that evening! Each night, Mom would summon the pups to come inside. The Little One was frequently off exploring and often ignored her calls. 

Mom had been calling for the Little One while all his siblings had quickly assembled. She was becoming increasingly impatient waiting for him. When he finally glanced up and heard her, he dashed over.

Upon reaching his mother, she gave him a nip, and he realized he was in trouble. He made his way to the den for the night. From that moment forward, he consistently responded whenever summoned.

The Little One's Future

Guemes Island is a compact area, spanning 5,505 acres or about 8.6 square miles. This island is teeming with diverse wildlife, and the coyotes are crucial to its vibrant ecosystem. Their presence helps maintain the balance of nature, making them indispensable to the island's health and biodiversity. The outlook for Little One is promising, thanks to the dedicated work of conservation groups like Skagit Land Trust, San Juan Preservation Trust, and Dog Woods of Guemes. Through an outstanding partnership among these organizations and the local community, numerous supporters are committed to preserving open spaces for wildlife. Their efforts have led to safeguarding hundreds of acres, enabling Little One and his siblings to thrive alongside nature on this small island. 

I am grateful to all those who allowed me to photograph the wildlife in these areas. I look forward to a chance encounter with The Little One again during my many adventures.

The Little One

Note: After months of searching, I finally spotted him in a conservation area. Though he was running away, he glanced back at me, reminding me of our connection. When I raised my telephoto lens, he paused and sat down, a testament to his resilience. I was overjoyed to see him alive and thriving. Just last week, there was a possible sighting of him in the very area where he had once explored as a pup.

Guemes Island, WA

© Chris LeBoutillier