Yessss! We had our first sightings of wolves, the Jct. Butte Pack. This is a pack I have not seen before. We were able to see about 6 of them right before going over the ridge. We knew we had something going on when we saw a pullout on the Lamar road with cars and scope facing the south. The Wolfwatchers of Yellowstone are a great bunch who report daily on the wolves on an online publication called Yellowstone Reports. It really lets us know what is going on and what is being seen. As I got out of the van I recognized many of these people were ones I met at the photography showing the night before. They signaled for us to come over and get a glimpse. These people have very nice and expensive spotting scopes. We set up our scopes but was fun to look through their fine scopes. They were very friendly and wanted to make sure everyone in our group got to see the wolves. These people are incredible, many retired and have committed their time and efforts to watching the wolves.
The Junction Butte Pack are made up of about 9 wolves. The alpha male wolf is black and has a severe limp and does not put any pressure on one of his hindfeet. He has been doing well limping and still is the alpha. There is another wolf who is also limps. It is believed that they were injured in taking down several bison calves. It is tough being a wolf because you get kicked in the head and jaw by bison and elk that they are chasing. You are also scraping with other packs and often killed in these battles. The number one cause of death is wolves killing wolves. This year has been extremely hard on the new pups because most of them died of distemper, plus the opening of hunting has decreased the population. They are amazing animals. Just hope they continue to thrive.
We had time to talk with Doug McLaughin a long time wolf watcher. He gave us a history and informed us about the new book “The American Wolf”. This is about the wolfwatchers and the infamous 06. She was a very smart wolf and knew how to protect her den while the two males in the pack were always missing. One incident was where she took down two elk (mother and young) all by herself. There is a video called She Wolf, which is about her life. Many tears were shed by people who followed her over the years. The script for the book The American wolf has been bought by Leonardo De Capprio and may be turned into a movie. I can hardly wait to read the book which is coming out on the 17th. There are so many incredible people to meet out in the field. Doug McLaughlin will be portrayed by George Clooney. Sounds good, just so Hollywood doesn’t exploit the book. Leonardo will play the role of Rick a wolf watcher that has been out in the field for years. I am already ordering my copy.
Other items we saw were 09’s den (one of the first and memorable wolves), two majestic Rams, a pika and lots of sun and blue sky. Fantastic. Yellowstone is such a special place to learn and become inspired.
Mike was a great guide and hope to see him next year.
One last day before we head back to North Dakota. It has been an incredible journey and experience with vcsu students. It is with great pleasure to work with these students.
Thanks you. Gary kettelring