Yellowstone Update: Soda Butte Pack back in Grand Teton

12-23-98 (update 12-31-98)

Here is the latest Yellowstone wolf news. All of the wolves were much as they were in the last update except:

Soda Butte Pack returns to Grand Teton NP
The Soda Butte Pack did not stay long back in the deep snow of southern Yellowstone. They have returned to Grand Teton Naitonal Park and were located on Burned Ridge. This is a bit south of Jackson Lake and possibly visible from one of the overviews on the Jackson Hole Highway. Ths is their most southerly penetration into Grand Teton NP. This pack presently has six members and it led by no. 14F. Her three-year old daughter 24F and Washakie male yearling 133M remain in the vicinity of Elk Ranch Reservoir the bottoms and low mountains on the northeast side of Jackson Hole.

Trio near Timbered Island.
The trio of wolves 129F, 29M and 129's (probable) sister were located near Timbered Island. This is a low ridge covered with conifers that rises just above the sagebrush steppe a few miles south of Jenny Lake. The information I received earlier incorrectly said the trio was on an island in Jackson Lake.

The Crystal Creek Pack has returned from the North Fork of the Shoshone (east of Yellowstone Park). They were located back in the Pelican Valley.

Is Rose Creek splitting?
It may be nothing, but Rose Creek 77F (radio-collared) and several other wolves from this 22-member pack, have now spent some time together away from the rest of the pack. This is the prime time for dispersals and mating season is approaching.

Due to bad weather there have been no new tracking flights as we end 1998.

Email addresses for members of Congress, the media, and other officials.
Note: wolf restoration is 25% biology and 75% politics. The addresses above are so you can help with the 75%

Return To Maughan Wolf Report Page

Ralph Maughan PO Box 8264, Pocatello, ID 83209