Yellowstone wolf watchers are eagerly awaiting word on the number of Druid Pack pups. I have gotten a lot of email on the subject.

Dr. Doug Smith, head of the Yellowstone wolf team told me today that no pups have been seen yet (at least by any NPS observers or reports to them).  There are assumed to be 2 litters -- the new alpha female 286F's on Druid Peak at the traditional den area, and 376F's across the Lamar Valley near the rendezvous site.

The den site of the U-Black and 194M (5 pups, 3 black 2 gray) is nearly visible from the road, and is a bit of concern given the traffic being attracted.

The Swan Lake Pack, though denned in their traditional location well south of the Park boundary, has clearly found the way to Cinnabar Basin.  To a wild animal, like a wolf, traveling along the Gallatin Mountain Range from the Park, Cinnabar Basin (photo) is the first human development reached. The Basin is surrounded on all sides by mountains full of elk, deer, and large and small carnivores. 

Cinnabar Basin is also frequently visited by the Chief Joseph wolf pack too.  A couple weeks ago, however,   the Swan Lake Pack showed up, reportedly "fought with a dog," scared some domestic bison and killed an elk calf nearby, all perfectly normal wolf activity. They must not have fought with the dog much, otherwise the pack of 11 wolves would have killed it in about 5 seconds.

In response, USFWS reported "The elk carcass was removed so the wolves wouldn’t stick around to scavenge on it. [Val] Asher and Ross set up a RAG [remote activated guard] box at the ranch to use as a warning/scare device but no wolf frequencies have been detected yet. They encouraged everyone to keep an eye on dogs and livestock (as usual) and harass any wolves in the basin if the opportunity presented itself."

I'm amazed that anyone is raising livestock in the area, especially bison, which biologists hope the wolves learn to effectively kill. It makes as much sense as raising livestock inside Yellowstone Park, because for ecological purposes it is in the Park.

Addition 6-1. (Pups!)
Carl Swaboda of Safari Yellowstone reports that on Sunday the 30th, 2 black Druid pups were spotted in the rendezvous area with 376F. On May, two of the Druid yearlings brought back food for her and the pups in the same area.

More on 6-2-
Druid wolves 349 and 350 have been seen at 376's den, and a rumor that 21M has visited.

 

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Ralph Maughan PO Box 8264, Pocatello, ID 83209