Coyote Day

By Madeline Warren, Marketing Intern

The one thing I love most about Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is how interactive and lively the animals are. Out of all the animals at the Science Center my favorite is the coyote. I remember my first time walking the trail at the Science Center I was so amazed by the coyote exhibit. When the coyote came right up next to me I could hardly believe what was happening; I had never seen a coyote up close before. His eyes were a deep auburn and reminded me of something you would see on the cover of a mystery book. There were some children playing around the coyote exhibit pretending to be coyotes and howling. I think the coyote thought one of his own was nearby because then he let out a loud howl! I thought I was dreaming because it was unlike anything I had ever seen or heard before.

I’m not the only one who loves our new coyote exhibit. Staff, volunteers, and visitors love the coyote exhibit too which is why Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is dedicating an entire day to teaching our guests about these wonderful wild creatures. Coyote Day, Saturday, June 28th will be filled with coyote education, crafts, scavenger hunts, and fun! The day will start out with coyote crafts at 10:00 so be ready to allow your artistic abilities to run wild. After crafts at 11:00 there will be an “Up Close to Animals” program that will feature a live coyote. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to be in the same room as a coyote and speak to coyote experts about this amazing animal.

At 1:00 p.m. is the event Science Center staff has been eagerly waiting for. This event is a presentation by Chris Schadler from Project Coyote about Eastern Coyotes in New England. Science Center Naturalist Margaret Gillespie is especially excited for this Eastern Coyote presentation because the Science Center’s newest coyote is eastern. It’s going to be very interesting hearing this talk about Eastern Coyotes and then getting to meet a real live Eastern Coyote.

The fun doesn’t stop at the coyote presentation. After the presentation there will be coyote games on the lawn below the Bluestone Terrace. Bring your friends and family to test each other’s skills in games about coyotes. Finally, if you missed the earlier “Up Close to Animals” program don’t worry! The day comes to a close with another “Up Close to Animals” that will feature a live coyote.

You don’t need to already know a lot about coyotes to enjoy this day, but you will certainly learn a lot. If you have any questions about coyotes they will surely get answered. Science Center volunteer docents will be at our coyote exhibit all day answering questions and informing visitors about these fascinating creatures. There is definitely something for everyone at Coyote Day, no matter what age, if you’re a coyote expert, want to learn more, or just want to have a fun time. Don’t forget to be on the lookout for scavenger hunt items all throughout the day. You can pick up a list for the scavenger hunt at Admissions. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center can’t wait to see you at Coyote Day! Below is a full schedule of events for Coyote Day.

Coyote Day Program Schedule:

• 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Coyote Crafts (Bluestone Terrace) 
• 11:00 a.m. - Up Close to Animals: Live Coyote (Classroom 3, Webster Building) 
• 1:00 p.m. - Becoming Wolf: The Eastern Coyote in New England Presentation by Chris Schadler from Project Coyote (Classroom 3, Webster Building) 
• 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Coyote Games (Lawn below Bluestone Terrace)
• 3:00 p.m. - Up Close to Animals: Live Coyote (Classroom 3, Webster Building) 
• Coyote Scavenger Hunt - All Day (pick up at Admissions) 
• Volunteers at new Coyote Exhibit all day