Who's Sanibel's Newest Resident: Wile E. Coyote??

We know we are testing the memories of those who did not grow up with Looney Tunes, but if you did, you might remember Wile E. Coyote, otherwise known as just plain Coyote. And you may remember his nemesis, the rapid and always elusive Road Runner. The characters were created for Warner Brothers. They star in a long-running and popular series of theatrical cartoon shorts and occasional made-for-television cartoons.

In each episode, instead of animal senses and cunning, the Coyote uses absurd contraptions and elaborate plans to pursue his quarry, the infinitely faster and more clever Road Runner.

The Coyote has also separately appeared as an occasional antagonist of Bugs Bunny in five shorts.

Coyote was based on Mark Twain's book Roughing It, in which Twain described the coyote as "a long, slim, sick and sorry-looking skeleton" that is "a living, breathing allegory of Want. He is "always hungry."

The Coyote's name of Wile E. is obviously a play on the word "wily." Though the coyote in the cartoons may be exceptionally creative, he is far from crafty. The Road Runner always alludes him.

With all joking aside, we have to wonder if the sightings of a coyote on Sanibel Island will have the same process. Though Sanibel's coyote has actually been photographed, his appearances have been, hare and there, if you'll excuse the pun. We really don't know where he is at the moment, but for sure he will find his fill if he remains another happy visitor on Island. Feeding primarily on small animals such as mice and rabbits, he should find his plenty of great eating.

But coyotes need mates to thrive and survive, and so without one in the "hood", the coyote may leave to find greener pastures.

Meanwhile, should you spot the slender critter, you are asked to report him to the authorities. This observation will certainly be a special aspect of your stay on Sanibel!