Slough Creek Pack romps at will through the Lamar Valley

Slough Creek Pack romps at will through Lamar Valley

1-23-2005, update 1-28

The Slough Creek pack's incursions into the Lamar Valley have become more numerous, and I guess it's fair to say they come when they want to and stay as long as they want. The Druids move off to Specimen Ridge or wherever the Slough Creek Pack is not.
The Slough Creek Pack has been spending time at the Druid's traditional den site on Druid Peak and circling the entire valley including Soda Butte Creek.
The big question is whether in April, this big pack of 15 (or 17 when 378M and 379M join them) will go back to their traditional den site in upper Slough Creek or select one in the Lamar, possibly the Druid's.
Trapping and radio collaring Yellowstone wolves is now underway, and there has been quite a bit of success. I hope to have a complete run down when it is over, but Jan. 23, Druid 302M was re-collared (see photo on main wolf page) and the new Druid alpha male, "the New Black," was collared and given the number 480M.
Dr. Doug Smith, head of the Yellowstone wolf team said 302M was difficult to dart. 302 had a lot of "good moves" and had the advantage of a low snow pack.
Smith said the Slough Creek Pack is clearly dominant in the Lamar and chased the Druids off a kill on Jan. 27.
Below are some fine photos taken by Ray Laible of the Slough Creek Pack having the run of Lamar on Dec. 17. Note in one of the photos their triumphantly raised tails.
I want to thank Ray for his contribution. Wish I could have been there.

Twelve Slough Creek wolves in Lamar Valley. 378M and 379M were with the pack that day. Jan. 17, 2005 10:45 am. © Ray Laible.

Five triumphant members of the Slough Creek Pack in the Lamar. Jan. 17, 2005. Copyright Ray Laible.

Slough Creek Pack in the Lamar. Copyright Ray Laible.

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