Mammal identification

I shot this one at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge (California) earlier this month. It isn't as clear as I would like, since it was at 800mm and right at sunset with the camera goosed up to ISO 3200.

The main animal is a coyote. My curiosity is the prey in its mouth. It was about the size of a ground squirrel, but it had no furry tail. The tail was long and thin like a rat's tail. The coyote had to bite down pretty hard, and then had a little trouble swallowing it. For ten seconds after that, the coyote had an expression on its face like, "I can't believe I ate the whole thing."

---Bob Gross---

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Hyrax ?

My guess would be a "Pocket Gopher"

Nice capture.

I agree a gopher of somekind. Hard to tell with no view of the head. Boy, he had a bad day! Cool shot!

Actually, a pocket gopher sounds about right.

No, it isn't a hyrax. We don't allow any wee beasties like that in the state.

---Bob Gross---

Very cool shot!! I vote for gopher as well.

Great moment of capture Bob, must have snook up on that gopher.

Great capture!

There were three of us standing on an observation platform, just looking at the wild birds in the marshland. Then Mister Wyle Coyote comes trotting down the path, so I was shooting him at 800mm over a huge distance. He got closer, and then he went on point at one bush. He started dashing around from side to side as the prey tried to make a run for it. Then he pounced and tossed the prey out into the open. Then he went at it with open mouth and teeth bared. Once it was swallowed, the coyote looked a little green. Then he pulled himself together and went trotting off down the path with a full belly. I must have shot about 15 shots to record the whole event, but I would not want to ruin the day for those who might be squeamish or else members of PETA.

I'll have to make up a whole advertising campaign with this photo.

Gopher, the other white meat.

---Bob Gross---

Don't knock it unless you've tried it.

I would not complain about animals like that. I love animals.

I love them cooked, roasted, and pan-fried. A little olive oil or butter, and you are in for a feast.

Mister Coyote preferred Gopher Tartare.

His next feast will be Fricasseed Belmondo.

---Bob Gross---

That'll put his cholesterol through the roof.

You're probably right.

This one is a little more appropriate for the coyote.

Roadrunner. It's what's for lunch.

---Bob Gross---

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I know him. He tears through my yard every afternoon, just before sunset. (except on the days when I'm out there with a camera)

Get some of that Acme Roadrunner Bait.

It always worked for the coyote, for a while.

---Bob Gross---