The Lamar Canyons are back and today I realized my dream of seeing them run across Lamar Valley once again.
For the amount of time I put in during the last several months, in hopes of seeing the Lamar Canyons and failing often, I kept telling myself that one day they would run across Lamar Valley as a pack. And, that I would be there to see them.
That day was today and the scene made me cry with joy. Truly amazing that this day ever came and they are still the Lamar Canyons, after the destruction of their family due to hunting. But, almost two years later and they are back, with new alphas – Spitfire and Big Grey, along with their six pups. Everyone looking healthy and doing great.
When I arrived they were milling about at an old carcass sight and I could see them from quite a ways back. It did not matter that they were about 400 yards out, only that they were there. That is Big Grey in the lead, looking at the crowd (a small crowd) as he always does. Mama is looking towards the trees and the other six are pups.
They milled about and in this image Big Grey has just finished marking some sage. The next image you will get a kick out of.
That’s our girl!
Actually, when they ran off it appeared that Big Grey had taken charge and was leading the way. In a way he was but Spitfire was not far behind. The thing is, though, in some images he is looking up into the forest as if he had spotted something.
As they left and went out of sight, I moved in anticipation of them coming around the bend but they never arrived. Rick called on the radio to make sure we were seeing the action. Big Grey had found a bull elk in the aspen forest and he chased him out into the valley. I hear that there was not much of a chase or a fight and that the bull did not run fast, so we are thinking that he was sick or very worn out from the rut.
Doug M. was bursting with pride over Big Grey’s hunting abilities. And, I do believe that the boy has stepped up to the plate and with parents like these pups have, they will be some winners.
But, as you can see, Big Grey had help from Spitfire in the final seconds of the take down that I saw.
As I looked through my lens and took this shot I could only see that the elk was lagging and did not have a chance. I fired off a few and went to switch to video but the elk went down and stayed that way. We adjusted our position so that we could look down on the pack and their kill and what I saw was not pretty but then I never imagined that it would be.
What was pretty was the Lamar Canyons making their first kill as a pack in Lamar Valley, which is now theirs.
I asked Rick if 911’s group was still a threat and he said “No, not at all…That dynamic has sure changed.”
This is the day I have been waiting for.
But, in wolf world each day is a gift and none should be taken for granted. I learned that lesson two years ago and it sticks with me today.
Thank you for the story and the images! The Lamar Valley would be an empty place without a wolfpack! I’m so pleased that it’s the Lamar Canyon’s!
Best story and photos (and video) EVER! This is what we all have been waiting for. I am so happy for you that you were there to see it and so grateful that you were able to share it all for those of us who weren’t there. This is simply thrilling.
Today is my 70th birthday and you made my day.
Ginny, happy birthday to you! So good to hear that this news made your day.
Wonderful, Deby. Thank you so much!
Yeah!!!! That’s is great news. Glad you got some pay off, and able to see them @ home. Now.. for them to stay safe.
Hooray! Glad you were there to see this….and get it for us.
Smiling from ear to ear while reading this. Love the Lamar Canyons!
Thanks so much for sharing the images and story with us. Brought a smile to my face knowing they are all doing fine. 06 is definitely looking down on them. One howling happy mama and grandma.
Deby, Wow thank you for sharing the news and wonderful photos.
Yay!
06 is looking down on Lamar Valley and proudly howling! Such great news!
This is wonderful news. What an amazing story this Pack has been. So glad your patience was rewarded Deby. I so hope to see this family when I come back in February. Thank you for this amazing information.
Yay!!! So cool. Thank you.
Wow what great day! Thanks for yhe story of the Lamars. ’06 would be proud. Wish grandpa could make a visit safely. But such is the way of wolves to teach and send their young out into the world. Mother nature- please keep this family safe and let their path be easy for a while.
Oh Deby I am so happy for you! And for the Lamars! I know how much you love Spitfire. I would love to be there now and see them, but I can truthfully say I would rather you got to see them than me. I can hear your giggles of happiness about them. Congratulations! Tenacity has its rewards.
Oh Deby! Thank you for your photos and words describing this scene! Seeing the young ones running as now young adults as a pack, makes it seem worth the wait! It is good to hear Rick doesn’t think 911’s group is a threat. I will hope hope hope this to be true! What a sight it must have been. Your words make me cry for all that has been…and now is. The Lamar Canyon pack running in the Lamar Valley once more. Just beautiful. Thank you!
Wow, what pictures ! You were indeed blessed to see the whole pack. Thank you for letting me see them thru you.
Absolutely fabulous!