Arena

You quietly approach the coyote, talking soothingly as you draw nearer. It takes a defensive stance and bares its teeth, a vicious growl coming from its chest. You note the raised hair on its back and attempt once more to soothe it with your voice. You take another step forward and it leaps at you, a missile of snapping jaws.

You step to the side and watch as it flies past you. It lands with a thump and scrambles to its feet. It is growling again and slowly approaching you. It's definitely not the friendly type, you decide.

Not too far behind you comes a chorus of similar growls. How many are there? You wonder briefly. You can't be sure, but there are definitely more than three.