YELLOWSTONE'S WILD WORLD

Leaving one pup behind to howl and howl and howl because it was afraid to cross the road with all of the people watching close by.

I arrived in Soda Butte Valley, just as Rick found the Lamar Canyons on a hill, across the road from the rendezvous area. He let me know to stay back at the pullout where I quickly located the family going up and over the hill. One, two, three, four, five, six – one, two, three, four, five, six…. All I saw was six – five blacks and one grey – and thought that the pups were heading out to find mom and dad. But, as it turned out, mom and dad were with them, though I did not see 925 until a little later, but one pup had not made it across the road. The pack continued on up the hill and out of sight, giving only a few moments for passerbys to get a glimpse of them as they passed by the trees. 

The bison carcass had been pulled down the hill, into the creek, and further obliterated. Meaning, no food yet. But, with the snow coming down the pack was on their way to find a meal. More snow means easier hunting.

Except, back behind, at the rendezvous area, was one lonely, shy pup that I call “Slinky,” because it is so submissive and afraid. Once we realized that the pup would not cross the road to find its pack with people around, most everyone took off to see moose or find other wolves. I initially took off for the moose.

But, some had to stay behind and watch the distress of the poor pup as it howled and howled and howled. The pup hid in the forest, attempted to cross and paced back and forth across the area. But, it would not cross as long as people were there, watching. Of course, some did not know the deal and moved along quickly when they found out, while others knew but stayed. This is where I get a bit over-protective of the Lamar Canyons, and wolves in general, when one is in distress and can not move freely because people remain nearby. I hope and pray that the pup makes it safely across the road and is able to find its family without anything terrible happening. That is the thing – if I delayed an animal for my own selfish thing, knowing it was in distress, and it got hurt, I would always wonder if it would have made it to safety had it been left alone. It would always eat at me. But, that is just my soft, compassionate spot for the animals. I know that others care about them in their own way, or haven’t been around them enough to fully understand – and it is a learning process, if we are willing to listen and learn. Most are and some are just too blind and selfish to care. Quite frankly, wish I didn’t get quite so emotional about the well-being of the pack but guess that I can’t help myself. They have come so far….

MOOSE, MOOSE, MOOSE, MOOSE, MOOSE, COW – on Round Prairie – That is how many there were. What a big cow – and really quite pretty. Will show photos later. I learned something today about telling a cow moose and a bull moose that has lost its antlers apart – a cow moose has a large white spot on her rear end. Yep, I saw it today. But, I already knew she was a pretty she.

Rick and Doug found some Prospects – 7 of them, 2 beautiful grey, including the large one getting netted in the collaring photos, and 5 blacks. Not too far out. I ended up sharing my scope with a bunch of students from Japan, which was kind of fun. It was fun watching their reaction.

They also found 7 wolves on the opposite hill and they think that they were 911, 970 and Junction yearlings and pups. Crap! We haven’t seen 870 in about 3 days, though she is around. Just seems like 911 and 970 might be up to no good. But, that is speculation and no one got close enough looks to ID them. Though Doug did get some photos so those will help. 870 was nowhere close and 890’s collar does not work well. Sure wish that life would settle down for the Junction Buttes – I have always been so impressed with those alphas as parents that I hate to see all of this. But, then, they were a fun loving family – not task oriented, which might be causing problems now.

Wolf World keeps us on our toes and we never know what will happen from day to day. Personally, I am kind of missing the dog days of summer when all was calm.

We had a lot of snowing today but the temps were pretty warm so not much sticking. Maybe more so in the park – won’t know until tomorrow.

Welcome to free story Sunday! Hope you enjoyed this segment of The Yellowstone Daily, brought to you by my long day of observation and participation, combined with taking photos, hiking, asking questions, editing images and writing. The days are long, though this was the shortest of the year, but I love telling you about these animals.

Deby

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