After yesterday’s slow, lazy and quiet day in Wolf World I knew better than to expect a similar one today. Just does not happen that way lately.
The Prospect crew had nothing, except a faint signal, from Hell Roaring. I sighed relief that they were in the same area and continued east.
In Little America I saw the Junction Butte car parked in the same place as the day before and sighed further relief that they were once again to the south. A good, safe place for that team.
But, just a ways further and I found the Lamar crew. Crap, did that mean they were headed west again? They had signals, up high, not far from where they had been the previous day, and no views, so I continued east.
On the radio I heard that the Mollies were being seen out Cache a little ways. Another sign of relief, the Lamars safe in Slough with no other packs around.
In the valley I was able to see 9 of the Mollies on a distant hillside, through fog, snow/rain. Enough distinct shapes to count. I would have stayed put the urgent business pressed me on to Hitching Post where I arrived just in time to hear Josh say there was howling at the Lamar den site. But, how could that possibly be if they were in Slough.
A minute later I heard the howling as well – distant and up against the wall and then very close. The wolves came into view just above us at Hitching Post. Howling away. Apparently, the Mollies were listening to the howls and initially made a move to go south before deciding that there was no threat. Just a bunch of whiny pups.
We watched and listened until the pups went out of sight and then Rick said he had to take care of something down the valley aways. I knew that had to mean the Lamars were headed back home and so left to see them.
Just as I arrived, Rick stopped in the road to allow a pup to cross. Fine with me! I got a few shots but nothing great. Later I could see 926, Little Gray and that black pup heading east in the valley. And, poor 967 stuck on the other side of the road, howling his head off. He nearly made it across several times but people kept blocking him, although from good distances. He was not going to have anything to do with the road, crossing and people. And, as I write this at 4:22 p.m., 967 is still on a hill above the ranch, having gone east and west several times, trying to figure out what to do. We know that he can just continue east and end up at home with the family but he hasn’t figured that out yet. Poor guy – he is so confused. They all are.
I guessed about where she would want to cross and hoped that she would follow the river and go right by us. She actually did! First time one of my plans have worked in a while. And, then it was evident that she was going to cross the road so I quickly loaded up and made it safely past her, to have the sun at my back. She had plenty of room to cross, between the pullout and where we were and only hesitated to check traffic before crossing. And, then she proceeded right past us, never glancing our way. In fact, her eyes are closed in many shots. She does not have the energy she normally possesses, there is no fun right now. Only the task at hand. I have seldom seen 926 so tired and quiet as she is right now. She loved Big Gray terribly and must have a big hole in her heart and her joy. Plus, she has six pups that are bigger than her and more on the way – how is she supposed to feed everyone? She will find a way.
So, now, the Mollies are on one side of the road and the Lamars on the others. There are 12 Mollies and sort of 7 Lamars – 967 would be of now use down the valley. Not that they could fight and win – there are about 7 adults in the Mollie pack and one in the Lamar. Not an even match.
And, I don’t know if 926 knows they are over there as all has been quiet since she returned home. So, I sit and wait to see what happens next. Maybe nothing tonight – maybe not until tomorrow. The Mollies have a carcass and who knows how much is left and what they intend to do next. Go home without delay, I would hope.
I stayed all day, waiting to see what would happen next. 967 was nearly home but the rest of the family was quiet in the den area. The Mollies were up and about on their hill, a long ways away – harassing a bison some and feeding on their carcass.
There were 3 bull moose at the Confluence and I found my first beaver there since the one was killed about this time last year. Hope that this one survives.
Unless one was following the wolf action there wasn’t much else going on, once again. Very quiet but the wolves action was the best I have had in awhile. Wolf photo ops are a premium, particularly fairly close and good light. But, the wolves were on task and not interacting any. Still, the was the closes I had seen 926 since she was collared 15 months ago. Now, if that doesn’t sound strange I don’t know what is.
And, another day in Yellowstone comes to an end.
Whew! Lots of emotional trauma, but the photos are really fine documenting their lives.
What is the prediction about 926 getting another mate? I am sad that she is on her own to fend for her family. She needs help! What are the prospects and where will the new Alpha Male come from?
We hope that she gets another mate. The sooner the better. Prospects are a wolf pack and we don’t know where she will go to choose a mate.
Thank you for being our eyes for the Lamars. The photos are beautiful, tho it still breaks my heart that they have to go on with out BG.
Heartrending story. Thinking of the clashes between the Lamar Canyons and the Mollies in the past, I am holding my breath.
Thank you for keeping us informed, but it must be very hard for you to witness the wolves’ losses.
I think it’s great to love wolves, it’s joyful and tearful but above all, their lives are very difficult to understand for us humans.
Wishing you a lot of courage, Deby, and I love the photos.
Ilse
Thank you for the update and amazing pics!
Beautiful photos and much appreciate your stories of the day.
Thank you Deby….really appreciate this update…it is heartbreaking everytime I think about her missing the love of her life and the pups missing their daddy..Little Gray is a magnificent wolf…they all are..
As always, great photos, Deby. Hopefully, 926 will soon have some luck hunting. I just hope they can do it in their own territory without the interference of another pack. Mama Lamar really needs to be teaching those young one how it’s done. Thank you for all the great updates and photos.
Love the pictures….Thanks Deby, let’s hope the Mollies are headed home…they seem to always like visiting Lamar for a few days!
Beautiful shots of the Lamars. G.