wolftop2.gif (11784 bytes)

Alpha female Soda Butte Pack killed by moose

April 28, 2000

The long time alpha female of the Soda Butte Pack, no 14F, was found dead of natural causes in SE portion of Yellowstone National Park. Her body was located visually from the air near a dead moose and the pack was nearby.  It is assumed she was killed by moose, but her body was in a state decomposition and may not be retrieved.

She had lead the pack since her arrival in Yellowstone from Alberta in 1995.  For two years, no. 13M, was the alpha male of the pack. These two wolves produced three litters of wolves, just one pup, no. 24F, in 1995, 3 pups in 1996. and in 1997. Early in 1997, no. 13 "Old Blue" died of old age.

Since that time 14F has lead the pack alone, and never found another mate. However at the end of 1999 and early 2000 there was a substantial reconfiguration of the pack.  Several of her offspring dispersed and new wolves came into the pack, including an adult male from the Crystal Creek Pack, and 104M from the Druid Pack, and later the Crystal Creek Pack, also a wolf well known to many Park wolf watchers.

With the new males in the pack, it was thought that this spring she would have her fourth litter.  So far no other wolf in  the pack has denned.  A pack may or may not stay together after the death of an alpha female.

If the pack does stay together, it may be renamed.  The name Soda Butte Pack came from there release site in 1995, but they spent very little time there, and for the last 3 years they have been a deep Yellowstone backcountry pack,  The only time they emerged for the public so see was the winter of 1998-9, when they spent about a month on, or near, the National Elk Refuge near Jackson.  

Several years ago Doug Smith said when the last original (Alberta) member of the pack died, it might be renamed the "Heart Lake" pack or some such.  He reconfirmed this to me yesterday, although he said renaming it is not certain because many people like continuity in the pack names. Several of the pack members born in Yellowstone are still with the pack.

Number 14 was a super alpha to the end. Doug Smith said he often found her far out in front of the rest of the pack, breaking trail and initiating and leading the hunt.

Previous stories on the Soda Butte pack (and also 104M).

Email addresses for members of Congress, other officials, and the media

Return To Maughan Wolf Report Page

  Copyright © 2000 Ralph Maughan

Not to be reprinted, archived, redistributed, etc., without permission.
Ralph Maughan PO Box 8264, Pocatello, ID 83209