Druids get some wolves back

2-18-2004

In recent weeks some folks have worried the Druid Pack is getting pretty thin on experience, consisting of just 3 adults and 8 pups, but today the well known 3-legged, beta male 253M returned to the pack, and there also appears to be a new uncollared black wolf in the pack. The new black wolf is not a big wolf, yet not a pup.

One view is this is a new wolf that might have been allowed into the pack. The other is it is a returning uncollared Druid disperser who left some time ago.

Meanwhile erstwhile Druid 255F and her Slough Creek partner of late, 279M, were observed yesterday close to the Druid den site, indicating she might return (probably pregnant) and could even bring along a male.

Rick McIntrye thought, however, that 21M might well resist the latter because 279M is a big wolf, as big as 21M. 279M was 120 pounds when radio collared.

There have been some questions to me lately about the health of 21M. I asked Dan Stahler of the YNP wolf team. He said 21 hadn't been handled since he was recollared two years ago, and a decision was made not to capture him again (there is always some danger in wolf capture and collaring). Stahler said you can see when 21 yawns that some of his teeth are worn and that he is slower than he was. However, he looks good, actively hunts and is a big,  well nourished looking wolf.

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In other Park wolf news, the Swan Lake Pack apparently killed an elk at night next to the Mammoth dining hall. The next day members of the pack were observed at Boiling River between Mammoth and Gardiner. Thanks to Susanne Huelsmeyer of Yellowstone Safari Company for this information.

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  Copyright © 2004  Ralph Maughan

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