Urban Life

Urban Life

August 3, 2009

Urban Life

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Urban Life

Strangers to Chicago, and even us hard-bitten natives, are wary of muggers in the parks and after dark.  I recently learned that all last winter, as my dog and I were happily roaring around the Wooded Isle nature preserve near my home,

Wooded Isle: the Japanese Garden in Winter
Wooded Isle: the Japanese Garden in Winter

we were stalked all winter by a coyote that was living in the preserve.  I saw it once from a distance and thought it was a German Shephered.  Little did I know that as we were sliding on the ice, our silent companion was thinking of breakfast.  Now I don’t know if I’ll be brave enough to go back out this coming winter.

Callie, Sara, I see you!
Callie, Sara, I see you!

I’ve seen foxes near my home, pheasant, and beavers, but the coyote is a first.  Given that I live in a dense-packed neighborhood, roughly 50,000 people in a city of 3 million, these sightings always amaze me.

Hyde Park, aerial view. President Obama's home is at 51st & Greenwood
Hyde Park, aerial view. President Obama's home is at 51st & Greenwood

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