The first known wolf pups in Jackson Hole in over 50 years have been seen romping outside their den near Grand Teton National Park. The Teton Duo, which established a territory near Moran, Wyoming last fall produced a littler of five, apparently healthy pups. Wolf 24F and her mate 133M are the leaders of this new wolf pack.
The mother of the pups was herself one of the first pups born in Yellowstone in many years. No. 24 was the sole pup from the Soda Butte Pack in 1995, the year wolves were restored to Yellowstone National Park. She spent three years with her pack before dispersing and finding a wandering yearling 133M, whose Washakie Pack had been disassembled by Wildlife Services due to some cattle depredations in the Dunoir Valley area about 20 mile NW of Dubois, Wyoming.
After the two wolves settled in the mouth of the Buffalo Valley last fall (a side-valley to Jackson Hole), they remained in a relatively small, prey rich area.
No. 24 denned in mid-April, but she has moved from her original den, perhaps due to a human incursion or that of other animals. Her original Soda Butte Pack (which has not denned now for the 2 nd year) recently came near the Duo's den site, but was not observed to approach it.
The pups are estimated to be about 5 weeks old, according the GTNP officials.
Meanwhile the Jackson Trio, wolves 129F, 137F, and 29M, denned somewhere north of the Elk Refuge and are thought to have a second litter of Jackson Hole pups. No. 137F of the former Thorofare Pack is thought to be the alpha female. 129F is her sister.
Added 5-24-99. The Teton Duo and pups has been officially renamed the Teton Pack. The Jackson Trio and their likely pups has been named the Gros Ventre Pack -- pronounced "Grow Vahnt."
Added 5-28-99. Several trails and forest roads have been temporarily closed so that the densites of these packs will not be disturbed. Officials will not reveal the location of the densites, but GTNP Park visitors and employees will not be able to enter this areas for about the next month.
Email addresses for members of Congress, the media, and other officials.
Return To Maughan Wolf Report Page
Copyright ©1999 Ralph Maughan
Not to be reprinted, archived, redistributed, etc., without permission.
Ralph Maughan PO Box 8264, Pocatello, ID 83209