I can not help but wonder how the best days of my time in Yellowstone could so quickly turn to a hellish nightmare. Thank goodness for those good days, those magical days with the wolves, because they softened the blow of the wolf hunt.
Forty-seven wolves seen on the Northern range one day, including a pack that had never come north, preparing for the perfect storm that would give some hunters something to gloat about. If one can really gloat over killing a dog. The following day there were hardly any wolves to be found and the next day 4 were shot dead. Part of me is glad that it is nearly over with, instead of dragging on into trapping and breeding season and part of me is wondering, why, with thousands of elk in the park right now, that they had to cross that boundary. Frustration, anger, suspicion, relief – all of those emotions blend together. I am sad for the wolves that were killed and relieved for those that were not.
The day after the four wolves were killed, I went into the park, an empty park, and just drove. I drove and drove, right outside of the NE entrance and through Cooke City. For some reason I then turned around and went back, driving slowly and thinking that I was witnessing the Yellowstone graveyard. The mourning of a national park that lost four of its precious members. All was so still and quiet. We saw wolves, the Junction Buttes, and they were quiet too. I was relieved to learn that the alpha male was still alive because the pack needs a break. And, besides, I have grown so fond of him and the way that he truly cares for his youngsters. He is a good guy.
Today, I did not go into the park. The rains that swooped in overnight cleansed the ugliness from the surface of Yellowstone and from my window I could see wonderful spots of light on the landscape throughout the day. But, I chose to stay put. Chose to mourn alone. Chose to not drive after two days without sleep. Chose to put my own house in order. Perhaps Yellowstone will be waking up again tomorrow.
In the meantime, here are some random images taken over the past week or so.
This image was taken several weeks ago.
Nature heals. Always in our hearts. Thank you for the photos of our wild ones <3
Deby, you are exactly right that remembering all your amazing wolf sightings before the killings helps. That is why I wanted to watch that video of the six pups and their parents in Lamar. I immediately wanted to watch it because the fact that they exist made me feel better. I’m glad that you are finding ways to honor your grief. I also appreciate your sharing it. It is helpful to me; I always learn from your posts here and on Facebook. Thanks for keeping on.
And thanks for the ID on those birds. There were hundreds, migrating I presume, and I could not figure out what they were.
Judy, where are you? What is a kangaroo rat? Yuck. I agree with you about 889, as hard as it is to know I will never see her, I am glad her suffering is done. Could not stand to watch her suffer like she was. But, I still hate the hunter because he was a coward to take such an easy target. Mixed emotions that don’t fit, but that is the way it is.
It is a sad, sad day but you did get a bunch of beautiful photos of a beautiful wolf, a great bear and gray-crowned rosy finches! And I just had a kangaroo rat walk over my foot so he could get to the seeds about 5 inches away. They are super cute and they don’t care if I am there unless I turn on a light. I still don’t understand the hunting but if a wolf had to die I think 889 was a better choice than some and I am happy to know her suffering is over.
It’s a sad, sad day.