What types of wolves are in Yellowstone?
The subspecies native to the Yellowstone area prior to extirpation was the Northern Rocky Mountains wolf (Canis lupus irremotus), but the subspecies that was reintroduced was the Mackenzie Valley wolf (Canis lupus occidentalis), though both subspecies were similar and their range overlapped across the region.
Where do the wolves live in Yellowstone?
Wolves prey on a variety of species, notably elk in the Yellowstone area, but will also pursue moose, deer, sheep and other animals. Although wolf packs have wandered outside Yellowstone, the best place to see them Is in the Lamar Valley between Mammoth and Cooke City.
What animals do wolves eat in Yellowstone?
The primary large prey for wolves in Yellowstone is elk, although wolves will also hunt moose, deer and bison. In the winter, elk provide more than 95 percent of their food, and in the summer, elk comprise approximately 85 percent.
Why were there no wolves in Yellowstone?
Much of the wolves’ prey base was destroyed as agriculture flourished. With the prey base removed, wolves began to prey on domestic stock, which resulted in humans eliminating wolves from most of their historical range. Predator control, including poisoning, was practiced in the park in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
What is the largest wolf pack in Yellowstone?
The Druids
The Druids, 27 strong, became the largest pack in Yellowstone. In 2001, another 10 pups were added to the group, and the 37-member Druid pack became perhaps the largest wolf pack ever documented.
What federal law allowed the gray wolf reintroduction to Yellowstone?
the Endangered Species Act
– President Richard Nixon, upon signing the Endangered Species Act on December 28, 1973. Gray wolves were listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1974, paving the way for their reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho in 1995.
Can you kill a wolf in Yellowstone?
Within the park, no hunting of wolves is allowed. There are currently 4 packs of wolves in northern Yellowstone and 6 packs in the rest of the park that use the park for the majority of the year, but occasionally move into surrounding states.
What is a lone female wolf called?
Dispersers
These “lone wolves” are actually called “Dispersers.” They play an important role for wolves as a whole: they’re the ones who keep wolves healthy by bringing new genes into the mix with different family groups.
