It is not often that one can get a close, detailed shot of a wild wolf using a wide angle lens but that is what happened today when I ran across this wolf wandering down the road from Pelican Valley, all of the way through Fishing Bridge and beyond. Most of the photos were taken with a big lens but I used the wide angle lens when driving by her, which happened a few times as she continued her journey.
It was one of those moments when I could scarcely believe my eyes. Driving along, right about here, where the above photos show the wolf, in Pelican Valley, and I see a few cars doing weird things up ahead but don’t see anything. I look closer and darned if there isn’t the most beautiful wolf I have ever seen leading a parade.
She literally took my breath away as she trotted down the road. So big, beautiful and confidant. Nothing bothered her, except when someone stood right in her path, which happened a couple of times, but then she just went around. And, there was a really scary moment, after I had pulled over to photograph her as she went by.
When I heard a car coming and then heard the driver accelerate and go right past this beautiful wolf, never swerving, nothing – it was obvious that he meant to harm her – some jerk from Wyoming! It would have been awful had she been hit right there in front of me.
I kept expecting the wolf to leave the road but she did not, except for brief instances but she was never far off and she definitely had a destination, which did not include swimming the river – she was going over the bridge!
She did veer off after crossing the bridge and went across a meadow before crossing the main road and continuing into the forest, lost to us forever.
She crossed the road and went on her way, leaving my heart pounding for hours afterwards. Even though this wolf was on the road to have the chance to watch her beauty for such a long stretch of time, and often quite close (ranger was present) was a blessing. There was no denying her beauty and her confidant presence in her world where people intrude. As of Monday she will have it all to herself for awhile.
Some shots taken along the way. I am so excited to have gotten photos of a wolf in the forest, away from sagebrush. Not all are excellent quality but I still like them.
This is the entire photo, no cropping, I just barely captured her beautiful face, still and so close.
One of my favorites – so non-traditional, yet so real.
Another favorite. Have dreamed about capturing the wolves in the trees like this.
Other than the wolf I saw the 4 year old sow in Hayden Valley and heard that some others saw Scarface while I was busy with the wolf. I got the best deal! Also heard that nothing was going on in Lamar. Nothing on the 8 Miles when going through Swan Flat and nothing in Elk or Gibbon Meadows.
Very quiet in Hayden until later this afternoon when people were watching the sow but mostly empty, as it has been.
Good news! I got a new car and now have dependable wheels.
What a beautiful girl!!! Thanks so much for sharing…:)
Such lovely photos of an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Deby….Her beauty is emotional to me…I just can’t stop looking at her. Thank you for sharing her beauty…
Anita, I like that expression – “Her beauty is emotional to me…” So Accurate.
Stellar series of shots, Deby – really well done throughout !
OMG! She is the most beautiful wolf!!!
All the photos are lovely!
Let me know if you have one of her in metal! <3
That Wyoming fella that didnt slow down..!!! Well Karma to him!!
She means no harm to people clearly she went past and on her way when close.
Wish those people that think the Big Bad Wolf would see this. It would open their eyes if they have a <3
What a Beauty!! Im glad you got to see her<3 thank you for sharing her magnificence with us. She is Royalty Im sure.<3
I am blessed everyone! Thank you so much. Believe it or not, I saw her again today, 25 miles from where she was yesterday.
She is gorgeous! A day you’ll always remember! I’m so happy for you! Thank you for sharing your story and photos!
These pictures are amazing !! You are one blessed girl ! She is beautiful !
I can’t stop admiring her beauty !
Glad you got a new car.
Deby, these are stunning! How fortunate for you to be there! She is gorgeous! Love you were able to get pictures of her in the trees! Yes, calendar worthy next year! 🙂 Thanks!
Deby you definitely made up for lost time with that series. You have a whole calendar on this page. Beautiful!!
Beautiful and wild. She looks very healthy. Wonderful story and photos. Great news about the transportation. It is always a relief when have reliable transportation.
Stunning ! Thank you for sharing!
She is a beauty! Can’t blame her for taking the bridge instead the water. Thanks for these wonderful shots!
Deby, love all the pictures but the one in the trees is my favorite. She is one beautiful wolf.
Beautiful wolf. So glad you found her from you NEW CAR. Celebrate!
Thanks Linda, I am thinking that to have that kind of incredible luck on my first trip out with the car, is a good sign. Those kind of days don’t come often.
No, not the female with 755, but possibly one of her older sisters. One that I have seen up north several times. But, I could be wrong – it is just that most of the wolves in the southern pack aren’t this comfortable around people.
Wow, excellent photos of a beautiful wolf!
Your quote ‘Lost to us forever’ says what it is all about: a mere glimpse into her world.
Bittersweet, reflecting on that.
Love it!
Ilse
Unbelievably beautiful! Are you serious that someone in a car meant to harm her? So glad you saw this beauty.
I don’t think that this is a Mollie because, aside from the alphas, the rest are pups and yearling and this wolf is at least 4.
Thanks Deby! Amazing how far these wolves can travel in the park. Are you thinking this is the canyon female that was with 755M?
Deby — Is this one of the Mollies? Pelican Valley is normally their territory, isn’t it?