A brief exchange about Kinky Tail, a Californian coyote seen by local wildlife observers to have birthed and raised nine pups all by herself earlier this year, after the death of her mate and oldest child to the many threats all around them—wolves, probably, or humans, both violently territorial.

Kinky is typical of her species but still amazing. The underdog who never stays under but overcomes. They aren’t enjoyed by many. It matters little. They faced and lived among mega fauna and many human types and cultures. And outlasted all.