14 | EXPLORE WINTER 2023 Through careful preparation and a written protocol, the introduction process began earlier this year. “The plan was to begin visually introducing Tex and Charcoal from a distance,” Nemet explains. “Eventually they seemed interested in one another, so the next step was to introduce them physically. At first Tex displayed little interest in Charcoal, and she was apprehensive of him. We started giving them positive reinforcement each time they came together, and we slowly increased their time with each other. Eventually they were together all day, but we would separate them at night. They now spend days and nights together but can be separated for individual training sessions or cleaning.” In the wild, coyotes can be found in different groupings. Occasionally they are alone, but most of the time they form small packs that include at least one pair—an alpha male and an alpha female. These packs can comprise other individuals separated from a previous group, looking to join a pack. With the introduction of Tex and Charcoal, Perkins is now home to two separate groups of coyotes— both including a male and a female, as they would probably be found in the wild. Like the Museum’s otters and coyotes, each resident of Perkins brings a unique story. These stories provide insight into Ohio nature, allowing visitors to deepen their connection with the world around them. To learn more about the Museum’s animal ambassadors, stop by Perkins and chat with a Wildlife Specialist. Keeper talks are offered several times daily. “Acclimating animals to a new space— and to other animals already in the exhibit—is a careful, deliberate process.” —JimNemet, Director ofWildlife Red the coyote
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