This is a vintage photo of a time when many deer and coyote could be seen most anytime and anyplace within Quabbin. I caught this pic on a cold Winter morning on the North Baffle Dam in January of 1992.


This is not meant as a derogatory comment, but for you to be aware that MDC public access policies are quite frequently modified. After 9/11, the Baffle Dams have been closed to the general public. You should always check with the MDC Visitors Center at 1-413-323-7221 for recent changes. Having clarified that, on with the story.
As was my way, I arrived at the head of the dam early in the morning with camera and tripod to set up at a favorite spot in front of a log where I could sit comfortably, my back resting against the log.

From here I had a great view of the road across the dam and of the ice-bound reservoir. Dressed in full winter camo I became nearly 'invisible'. Coyote and Deer often sauntered right by me, sometimes not seeing me 'til the last moment. Deer 'flag' (raise their tails exposing the white underside and wave it back and forth), and run for cover. Once, the lead coyote of a pair didn't spot me 'til the it was five feet from where I sat. Thought the lag coyote turned and began running back down the roadway. The lead coyote, a large animal as coyotes go finally spotted me, showed no fear, looked me over for a few seconds, then turned, trotting towards its mate. I don't think I'd let a Bobcat get that close. Somewhere I've a photo of that large coyote but I've not been able to locate it? I'm just not well organized.

On this particular morning, I had sat for an hour or more without seeing a thing. So I decided to salvage the day by walking across the dam to take some scenics. About half way across I decided on a nice shot looking back to where I was. I set up the tripod with camera and 400mm lens and was about to take the shot when I heard a 'clicking' sound behind me. Turning casually, there were these two youngsters about 25' feet away coming towards me, their hooves 'clicking' on the icy road. Everything was covered with ice this morning, even the rocks that comprised the baffle dam.

I swung myself around for the shot and as I did they saw me, stopped and seemed at a loss for what to do? I took this shot and several more. Incredibly, they turned back toward me, scooted down on the icy rocks and went right past me not more than eight or ten feet away.

I couldn't believe my eyes! They actually ran over the tops of these huge ice covered rocks like they were pronghorn sheep. What would make them do that?

I watched in wonder and awe as they scooted back up on the road toward where I'd been siting. As they bounded away into the woods I turned back just in time to see a pair of Coyote trotting down Mt. Zion toward the dam. They spotted me, stopped for a moment, assessing what they were seeing, then ran onto the ice off to my right. They angled away from me, but in the direction of the deer, eyeing me all the while. Well, that answered the question of the deer behavior!

That made my day! I saw more coyote during the day. They are often seen crossing the ice. Even today, with their numbers significantly reduced, along with the deer, one can still observe an occassional Coyote crossing the ice.

Well that's the story, Hope you enjoyed it? If you have any interesting wildlife stories, please e-mail me. I'd love to hear them. Thanks. --Dick Cooper, Athol, MA Aug. 5th, 2001