Coyote: America’s Song Dog

Come and discover who this important and resilient carnivore is, in a way you have never heard before. But this presentation is all about us as well, since we share the landscape and our lives with Coyote. Because the life on earth is deeply interrelated and complex this presentation is inclusive, touching upon Anthropology, Archaeology, Prehistoric and Modern History, Native American life, poetry, Human Psychology, Human Belief Systems, European World Views, Wildlife Science and Ecology, Animal Husbandry, and much more. It will center on “Perceptions and Relationships”… Coyote and Native Americans and European Americans, Coyote’s relationship with other wildlife and the ecosystem, and Coyote and us…how do we share our lives with Coyote. This presentation gives our community members a chance to come together and share your own stories, ask questions you have been wanting to ask, and share a dialogue that helps us all to understand better our very deep rooted relationships with all life, including our fellow humans. Come hear the Song Dogs Sing!  

To learn more about Coyotes, go to Geri Vistein’s educational website ~ www.CoyoteLivesinMaine.org  

Geri Vistein is a Conservation Biologist whose focus is carnivores and their vital role in maintaining the biodiversity of our planet. In addition to research and collaboration with fellow biologists, foresters, and organizations here in Maine, she focuses her work on educating our Maine community about carnivores, and how we can coexist with them. She achieves this by working closely with our farmers who wish to learn coexisting skills, by creating outreach projects with artists, musicians, and puppeteers, experiential programs for our children, and by presenting various programs on carnivores and us to diverse audiences all over the state of Maine. Her newest endeavor is the creation of the future Coyote Center for Carnivore Ecology and Coexistence that will be located in Midcoast, Maine.  Come find out all about it! Geri received her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana, and her Masters in Natural Resources from the University of Vermont.             

Testimonials:  

Geri Vistein is an enlightened conservation biologist who brings the Coyote into our mind and experience as a vital, complex, highly organized and social fellow being. I left the presentation, not only knowing much more about Coyotes, but also appreciating complex issues and diverse perspectives. Geri's respect for this top carnivore, her images and stories, fill a lively and absorbing evening.

*Cloe Chunn, Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition.  

Geri Vistein's presentation was one of the best we've had here at the library. Geri's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of her subject kept the audience enthralled. Best of all, the presentation had a truly transformative effect on the people who attended, including myself. Even those who already had an appreciation for Coyotes, left with a new awareness of these remarkable creatures. Remarkably, a member of the local gun club approached Geri after the presentation to invite her to speak to his fellow members in hopes of dissuading them from killing Coyotes--an outcome that speaks to the power of Geri's passion. Highly recommended!"

*Rachel Davis, Assistant Director, Thomas Memorial Library, Cape Elizabeth, ME  

Geri Vistein brought her deep respect for and understanding of this species, and its place in nature to adults during our winter speaker series.  The large audience was captivated by her presentation on the often maligned Coyote, but also by the human interests and conflicts she discussed regarding this canine carnivore. Certain audience members brought forward their real-world perceived negative experiences with Coyote/livestock conflicts, and Geri responded in a heartfelt manner reflecting not only her background as a conservation biologist but more importantly as a teacher and a sincere, respectful and empathetic listener.  Both Coyotes and our human community will benefit if there were an ever growing population of wildlife professionals who articulate the courage of their convictions as does Ms.Vistein.

* Ed Friedman, Chair, Friends of Merrymeeting Bay  

 Geri Vistein's respect for Coyote is deep reaching in her wonderful presentation.  Her word and heart endows us with knowledge and wisdom for the plight of Coyote.  Not with anger but with intellect and wisdom she chooses a path that enables us to make the right choices in understanding and co-habitating with these amazing animals.

*Marti Reed, Owner of Personal Bookshop and Gallery, Thomaston, Maine