Recent Observation of all 27 Druids
Nov. 12, 2000
I want to thank Joe Mangiameli for emailing the following observation to me. He is not the first to see this incredible sight, but joins a small fraternity of wolf watchers who have. . . . Ralph Maughan
I was in the Lamar from Thur November 2 through Sun November 5. I was privileged to be able to participate with the research team during that time.
The wolf viewing during those days was exceptional. Both the Druid and Rose Creek packs were visible. We observed wolves each morning and evening I was there. The longest observation was 4 1/2 hours on Sat. morning. Other observations lasted more than 2 hours. It was good to see the Rose Creek pack, as they had not been visible very much since the death of #8 in July. In a discussion that I had with the leader of the research team, it was mentioned that a new alpha male might be emerging in that pack. But at this time I will not quote the person or comment further as it is speculation at this point. Hopefully all of us will find out more soon.
The Druids continue to amaze. At the rendezvous area we observed 11 "puppies". The look like most of the adults now. To my untrained biologist eye (my field is GIS), they all appeared to be healthy and strong. The were very active. Two of them in particular were chasing elk and running through small herds of bull elk. At one point eight pups- of- the- year had a very large bull elk completely surrounded. That elk did not seem overly concerned, interestingly enough. No attempt at a kill was made, but I can't help but believe this will take place soon.
On Sat morning the question on my mind was where is 21M? He was soon picked up on Jasper Bench heading east, with 14 Druids with him,, including 42F who also looked great! 21M is more magnificent even than I remember him from last spring. He is now about 135 lbs, I am told. He and the group with him were returning from the previous evening's hunt. As they came down the bench, they ran towards the 11 puppies at the rendezvous site, and those puppies were now running towards 21M and the returning group!! In a few moments the grand greeting took place with much tail wagging, jumping, and howls. It is hard to express this scene in words. As I watched this, I realized this was the "coolest" thing I have ever seen in my 26 years of wilderness travel on 5 continents. In my little group, there was not a dry eye. I had 26 wolves in my scope at one time. After about an hour, they all left to the west, up over Jasper Bench again, apparently to go back to the previous night's kill. As they strung out, it was easy to count them. Not only the first 26 that I had previously in the scope, but another one lagging behind. A total of 27 wolves at one time. It looks like the Druids still haven't lost any members. Amazing. . . Joe Mangiameli
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