What To Do If You Encounter A Coyote — Namely, Longtime Ken Burns Film Narrator Peter Coyote

Do not approach or attempt to pet Peter Coyote.

Illustration by Emily Clouse

So you’re walking through the woods, enjoying the relaxing sights and sounds of nature, when out of nowhere you find yourself face to face with a coyote. But not just any coyote. Peter Coyote, accomplished American actor of more than 130 films and Emmy Award-winning voice artist, best known for narrating such Ken Burns documentaries as The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, Prohibition, The Dust Bowl, The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, Country Music, and, most recently, Hemingway.

First of all, do not panic. Peter Coyote can sense weakness and will not hesitate to pounce on it, much like how the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched a surprise attack on cities and military bases in the South on the eve of the Tet Holiday, resulting in devastating losses to the American troops, as depicted in episode 6 of PBS’s 10-part series The Vietnam War.

Though it may be tempting, never approach or attempt to pet Peter Coyote. Remember, as beautiful a creature as he may be – with his salt and…