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. 

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a worldwide natural wonder. They form when solar wind from the sun slams into Earth’s atmosphere, ionizing the oxygen and nitrogen molecules there. As they release that extra energy, they give off an ethereal glow.

This year’s winners for the Northern lights photographer of the year, the sixth edition from Capture the Atlas, includes 25 of the best northern lights photography from around the world.

The 2023 finalists includes selections from latitudes where the lights have never been photographed before. As Earth approaches the solar maximum, or the chaotic peak of 11-year solar cycle, the northern lights can be seen at these lower latitudes.

From the Arctic landscapes of Alaska and Norway to the Southern Hemisphere’s Australia and New Zealand, this awesome collection of photography showcases greens, purples, and magentas that shouldn’t be missed.

Winner: Storm over Sukapak, Nickolas Warner

This green northern light display over Sukakpak Mountain from Nickolas Warner took first place in the contest. Located approximately 70 miles (110 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle, the peak is part of the Brooks Mountain Range in Alaska, USA.

Second place: The Arctic dance, Vincent Beudez

French photographer Vincent Beudez captured this neon burst of light in Tromsø, Norway.

Third place: Lost who I want to be, Jordan McInally

This image of a yellow and magenta aurora over Moke Lake in New Zealand, from photographer Jordan McInally, took third place.

Finalist: Red alert, William Preite

This dazzling, red solar event, photographed by William Preite over the Dolomites in Italy, is actually known as a stable auroral red (SAR) arc, an event even rarer than the aurora. Contrary to its name, this phenomenon is neither particularly stable, nor an aurora, Live Science previously reported. SARs form when oxygen molecules in Earth’s upper atmosphere are superheated by the large electric loop that circles our planet.

Finalist: Infinity, Giulio Cobianchi

In order to shoot this “double arc” image properly, a few factors need to be in play, according to photographer Giulio Cobianchi. Clear skies and a moonless night coupled with an aurora only visible to the north, enabled this capture of the lights over the Lofoten Islands in Norway.

Finalist: Bakers oven aurora australis, Josh Beames

Photographer Josh Beames captured this fluorescent scene of the aurora australis, or southern lights, in Bakers Oven, Australia.

Finalist: Goleuadau’r gogledd, Mathew Browne

The image’s title “Goleuadau’r gogledd” translates to “northern lights” in Welsh. Photographer Mathew Browne captured the rare occurrence of the aurora borealis in the United Kingdom over Paxton’s Tower in Wales.

Finalist: The platform, Virgil Reglioni

Photographer Virgil Reglioni shot his finalist work during a geomagnetic storm over a peak in Ottertinden, Norway. The team climbed a 47-degree steep incline in minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 21 degrees Celsius) temperatures to obtain the surreal image.

Finalist: The red flame, Laura Oppelt

Germany’s Wadden Sea National Parks is an unusually southerly location for the aurora borealis, but photographer Laura Oppelt was able to capture this explosion of light on Sept. 25, 2023.

Finalist: Waning sun, Alex Wides

This spectacular 300-degree panorama, which showcases the setting sun during an intense display of the northern lights, was captured on Senja Island in Norway by photographer Alex Wides.

Finalist: Lady in pink, Kenneth LeRose

Shot from the lowest altitude in the United States, this violet aurora was captured in Death Valley, California by photographer Kenneth LeRose. Auroras aren’t typically seen so far south either.

Finalist: Island of aurora, Kat Lawman

Photographer Kat Lawman captured this rare display of the aurora over Wales, United Kingdom.

Finalist: Aurora explosion, Jason Perry

This magenta and yellow display of the southern lights was captured in April, 2023 by photographer Jason Perry in Tasmania, Australia.

Finalist: Gatklettur northern lights, Stefano Pellegrini

After chasing the northern lights for over a week, Stefano Pellegrini captured this magnificent auroral swirl in Gatklettur, Iceland.

Finalist: Beauty of the north, Elena Ermolina

This purple and green aurora waltz was captured by photographer Elena Ermolina on Russia’s Kola Peninsula.

Finalist: March Michigan nights, Justin Miller

Michigan native, Justin Miller, shot this northern lights display over a farm in Glen Arbor.

Finalist: Fleeting moments on ice, MaryBeth Kiczenski

Photographed in March, 2023 by MaryBeth Kiczenski, this Alaskan ice cave collapsed over the summer, making this view of the aurora from within truly one-of-a-kind.

Finalist: Green snakes, Filip Hrebenda

Taken on a lesser-known beach in Lofoten, Norway called “Vikten,” photographer Filip Hrebenda captured this winding aurora, which resembles “green snakes.”

Finalist: Northern lights in Nova Scotia, Kristine Rose

Canadian photographer, Kristine Rose, captured this aurora, along with its reflection, in Nova Scotia.

Finalist: Circle of life, Frøydis Dalheim

Photographer Frøydis Dalheim shot this winter spectacle in Lappland, Finland on a March night in 2023 that reached almost minus 22 F (minus 30 C).

Finalist: Aurora flame, Richard Zheng

Richard Zheng photographed violet aurora australis over the Dunedin Peninsula in New Zealand. The photo shows the Large Magellanic Cloud in the upper right corner, the Colloidal Nebula as a red mass in the upper left, and the Carina Nebula below.

Finalist: The dance of the green lady, Luis Cajete

This geyser of green light was photographed by Luis Cajete over Iceland’s Haifoss waterfall.

Finalist: Blåvatnet, Lukas Moesch

Photographer Lukas Moesch “had a magical encounter with a rare white reindeer (a sign of good luck),” on his way to capture this moment of the northern lights in Tromsø, Norway.

Finalist: Echant, Paul Wilson

This photograph by Paul Wilson, taken from Camp Saddle in Canterbury, New Zealand, shows the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds beside the aurora australis, galaxies that are only visible in the Southern Hemisphere.

Finalist: Kirkjufell explosion, Marc Marco Ripoll

This green vortex was photographed by Marc Marco Ripoll on Iceland’s Mt. Kirkjufell, located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Hattenheim, Germany

A wine-tasting stand is flooded by the high water of the Rhine. According to the Hesse state agency for nature conservation, environment and geology, the flood situation in Hesse is gradually easing as the weather calms down

Photograph: Arne Dedert/AP

A beloved photographer will be laid to rest on Friday [December 29]. Neil Johnson passed away Saturday, December 23, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Word of Johnson’s death spread rapidly in the Shreveport-Bossier area – in a mixture of shock and sadness that he is gone so soon.
Friends, family, colleagues, and the general public are mourning Johnson’s death as a large figure in the artistic community.
Longtime friend John Prime describes Johnson’s work as transformative, showing the beauty of northwest Louisiana to the rest of the world. “Everybody knows who Bill Joyce is. And they know who James Burton is. I would say that Neil was like a photographic equivalent of those two.” Prime describes how “Somebody could see a flower or a landscape or a person’s situation and think ‘ha!’ And Neil would look at that, frame it in his mind and come up with a picture that told a story.”
Johnson was far more than an accomplished photographer. He became an author and photographer of books including Louisiana Journey and Shreveport and Bossier City. Local writer, artist, and longtime educator – Robert Trudeau – describes Neil Johnson as a very generous and kind friend to so many people. Trudeau especially remembers Johnson’s unassuming, low-key presence. “You never heard from him how much his camera cost or anything like that. He was not that kind of a fella. He was all about being friendly, warm, and getting a great image or a great piece of writing.”
A service to celebrate Neil’s life and faith will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 900 Jordan Street in Shreveport at 11:00 a.m. on Friday. Johnson was 69.

Unbearable traffic jams sometimes turn delightful if a curious furbaby is seen peeking out of the window. It is indeed adorable to see dogs and cats being surprised at the bright lights, cars and streets. But, none of us in our wildest dreams have ever thought of spotting a lion amid the traffic! Yes, this happened in Pakistan and the video is viral now.

The astonishing video capturing a lion cub named Mufasa seated inside a car has taken the internet by storm. The clip, which was shared on Instagram by Umbreen Ibrahim Photography, showcases a scene that would make any onlooker do a double-take. As the black-coloured car pauses at a traffic signal, it’s not a domesticated dog or cat that peers out from the window, but rather a young lion.

The sight of Mufasa, the lion cub, is so out of the ordinary that it instantly captures the attention of anyone scrolling through their feed.

Take a look:

As the video goes on, the woman behind the camera can be heard engaging with the occupants of the car, enquiring about their unusual companion.

However, the video has angered the internet. People were shocked to see a lion cub travelling in a car.

What are your thoughts on this?