Unlike mountain lions or bears, coyotes are animals that divide the internet. Many organizations and wildlife enthusiasts support the animal, while others see them as less likable and almost like a pest. Regardless of where you stand, these images of a coyote may change your mind.

Wildlife photographer Paddy Hackett recently captured this video of a coyote approaching his truck:

Hackett believes the animal was “food conditioned.” This issue happens when people feed a wild animal and they become overly comfortable around humans. Hackett may be right in his assumption, as the coyote immediately approaches his vehicle. 

Hackett then captures amazing video and images of the coyote waiting outside the vehicle.

In his post, Hackett discusses at length the opposition coyotes face. Earlier regulations intended to wipe out coyotes much like people did to wolves, but the species remains persistent. 

“I wish there was a way for people to see them in a better light, as just a wild dog trying to survive,” says Hackett in his post.”

Despite attempts to eradicate the species, coyotes are now found in every state in the U.S. except for Hawaii. The animal has also made itself at home in urban areas like Los Angeles, Phoenix, and even New York City. 

Project Coyote, an organization that fights for wildlife like coyotes and other predators, says, “As coyotes expand their range into areas where wolves once lived, and urban sprawl encroaches into wildlife habitat, human-coyote encounters are increasing. When people intentionally or unintentionally feed wild animals or encourage a lack of fear of humans, conflicts can occur.”

The organization and wildlife officials stand against food conditioning, believing people should never feed wild animals. Unfortunately, in many cases, wildlife officials euthanize animals that become overly comfortable. 

One of the best ways to do this is by hazing an animal that is too close. Project Coyote recommends these steps:

• Stand your ground. Make eye contact. Advance toward the coyote with your hazing tools if there is hesitation on the part of the coyote. Haze until the coyote retreats. Allow room for the coyote(s) to escape. 
• Make sure the coyote is focused on you as the source of danger or discomfort. Do not haze from buildings or your car where the coyote can’t see you clearly. 
• If you see more than one coyote, continue your hazing efforts; multiple animals will most likely respond to the same hazing techniques at the same time. 
• Make it multisensory. Use tools that scare with sound, light & motion. Variety is essential. Coyotes can learn to recognize and avoid individual people, so the more often a coyote has a negative experience with various hazing tools and different people, the faster he will change his behavior to avoid human contact. 
• Hazing should be exaggerated, assertive, and consistent. Communities should always maintain some level of hazing using a variety of tools so that coyotes do not return to unacceptable behavior over time. 
• Coyotes have routine habits. Make note on when and where you encounter them. Ask neighbors in those areas to help you scare the coyote, or avoid those areas. 
• Think prevention first! Coyote pups begin coming out of dens in the early summer and parents are very protective. Keep pets close and don’t let them roam.

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – One of the beloved photographer’s last exhibitions was held at the city’s mayor’s office and is open to the public.

On Dec. 24, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) announced the death of Shreveport photographer and writer Neil Johnson. Johnson was a photographer who outstandingly captured life and showed the vibrancy of his subject’s souls in his work.

“His images will forever be a testament to his passion for photography and the profound impact it has on those fortunate enough to view the world through his lens,” says SRAC in the statement on Johnson’s death.

Later, on Dec. 26, the City of Shreveport and Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed their sympathy to Johnson’s family, calling the artist a treasure.

“Neil Johnson was a Shreveport treasure, and the Mayor’s Office is honored and proud to have one of the last exhibitions of his work in the Mayor’s suite on the second floor of Government Plaza,” said the City of Shreveport’s Facebook page. ” The exhibition highlights photographs of camellias, a favorite subject of Johnson’s. The exhibition is open to the public.”

Johnson was born and raised in northwest Louisiana. He traveled the world from Ireland to Bangladesh. He later obtained a degree in journalism from Washington & Lee University and while interning at a Shreveport Local paper in 1975 he became interested in a custom photography lab. He began his work there after graduating in 1976. In 1981, he left the lab and became a full-time freelance photographer.

“I stuck with it and found that my degree in journalism, my love of writing and fast-evolving skills in photography could be combined quite nicely in magazine journalism, and later, into the world of book publishing. In my magazine career, I found myself moving from stories about thoroughbred horses to urban blight and to many aspects of the arts,” said Johnson in his artist bio. “I also found a personal artistic freedom in that work and a way to satisfy my innate curiosity about the many facets of the world in general. My camera and writing opened many doors.”

Between his magazine jobs, Johnson pursued commercial photography and began to teach photography at Centenary College. His teaching career would go on for 23 years. Later, Johnson would land a contract for 16 non-fiction (and a few fiction) photo-illustrated books with top New York and East Coast publishers. He even was published by National Geographic.

“My two favorite book projects (so far) are the coffee-table photography books, Shreveport and Bossier City (1995) and Louisiana Journey (1997) both with LSU Press,” Johnson said.

To see more of Neil Johnson’s work, visit https://culturalyst.com/silverpixel.

Copyright 2023 KSLA. All rights reserved.

Understanding why a photographer remains loyal to a particular system, like the Micro Four Thirds, can offer valuable insights into the nuances of photographic equipment, and in an age dominated by APS-C, full frame, and even medium format, the perspective of a micro four thirds user can be particularly good to hear. 

Coming to you from Robin Wong, this great video shares the reasons for his enduring love for the Micro Four Thirds system. With over a decade of experience, Wong articulates why this system continues to be his choice for both professional and personal projects. His preference stems from the system’s compact lenses, renowned for their sharpness and performance even at wide apertures. Wong highlights lenses like the Olympus 75mm f/1.8, which combines a compact form with high-quality output, as a key reason for his steadfast loyalty. This preference for smaller, high-performing lenses is particularly relevant in an era where many photographers grapple with the size and weight of their equipment.

Another significant aspect Wong touches upon is the system’s reliability. Having used Micro Four Thirds cameras like the Olympus EM1 for professional work, he emphasizes the confidence these cameras instill, ensuring that he can always deliver quality results to his clients. In addition to reliability, he praises the superior handling and ergonomics of Micro Four Thirds cameras. This aspect is crucial for photographers who spend long hours on shoots and value comfort and ease of use. Wong’s perspective underscores an essential truth in photography: the best camera system is the one that meets your specific needs, be it for ergonomics, image quality, or reliability. The truth is there is no wrong system, only what’s right for you. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Wong.