Yellowstone Wolf Update. Late Nov. 2000
A count of 13 for Soda Butte.
Nov. 20, 2000 More on 11-21 and 12-1
Here is the latest news on the wolves in the Yellowstone Park.
Winter study has begun, so there will probably be an increase in wolf information over the next couple months.
Druid Peak Pack- The pack still numbers 27 animals. I have an unconfirmed report that a half dozen or so of the pack killed a bison near Soda Butte two days ago. 11-21. Turns out this was probably not true (the bison kill). However, the Nez Perce Pack did kill a yearling bison Nov. 17 at Sour Creek.
12-1. The Druids seem to be occupying part of the Rose Creek territory. Over 20 Druids were observed walking up the Slough Creek road in single file by the wolf team on Nov. 28. This (lower Slough Creek) is where the dramatic battle between the Druids and Rose took place in June 1996. Earlier email to me indicated the Druids had been at Slough Creek Campground and also on top of Junction Butte.
The Rose Creek Pack is still scattered about over their traditional range. A new alpha male has not been identified. Winter study may help provide this information. The pack is scattered into three groups. The largest has been frequently the Tower Junction area. Another group is near Garnet Hill and the last in Hellroaring Creek.
The Nez Perce Pack, which consists of 17 wolves, was observed in a new location last week--near Fishing Bridge.
The Crystal group was in their usual territory--Pelican Valley. No. 5F, the former alpha female, was not located. She was recently observed feeding with the Druids, but that seems to have been a one-time observation.
The Soda Butte Pack is as usual in the Yellowstone Delta area, but with a new high count of 13 wolves. Just this spring it seemed to be a pack in decline. The animals in the pack have little overlap with past members, however.
As almost always, the Leopold Pack is on the Blacktail Deer Plateau.
The Chief Joseph Pack is near Monument Ridge just west of the Park in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, a good safe place away from US 191. On Nov. 28 the Chief Joseph Pack was seen at Duck Creek by the Buffalo Field Campaign where Montana Dept. of Livestock personnel were busy harassing bison. The pack's presence there was confirmed by the Park wolf team. Let's hope they are safe from the Montana DOL
The pack led by 152F ("Gardiner,") consisting of 7 all gray wolves, is as usual near Swan Lake. Their territory seems to be just west and northwest of the Leopold Pack.
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