Wolf 907 is the oldest living wolf in Yellowstone National Park. This lady has not only birthed 10 litters but has survived most of her life without an eye!
Old Lady
The oldest living wolf, Wolf 907, is 11 years old! Making her life almost four times longer than the average wolf. As the average lifespan of these apex predators is a mere 3 or 4 years.
Legends Before
Before her, the oldest wolves recorded were around 12 years old. However, they have sadly passed away. With only two other wolves reaching this age, here’s to hoping that wolf 907 will be the third!
Pack Leader
Wolf 907 is the current leader of the Junction Bute Pack and has lived most of her life with only one eye. It is unclear how she has lost her eye, but clearly, this does not hold this powerhouse back one bit!
Threats
Kira Cassidy, a Yellowstone Wolf Project member, states that wolves hardly die of old age. They are more likely to pass away due to some other life-threatening event. Be it a territorial fight with another pack, being trampled while attempting to hunt large prey like bison or an unfortunate run-in with a vehicle.
Dangerous Lives
Wolves, although they are apex predators, live pretty dangerous lives! Filled with excitement and challenges. Luckily when they learn how to overcome these dangers successfully, they can teach their experience to their young! Helping them better navigate their world.
Yellowstone Wolf Project
Around 25% of the wolves in Yellowstone National Park are collared. Which allows the team to track, trace, observe, and study these amazing animals! This study has been ongoing since wolves have been reintroduced to the park almost three decades ago.
Information on Wolves
Since the Wolf 907 is the oldest living wolf in Yellowstone, I thought it appropriate to explore some of the interesting aspects of these apex predator’s lives.
Litters
A female wolf can give birth to a litter once a year, explaining why wolf 907 has birthed 10 litters in her 11 years! Each litter is about 4 to 6 pups – you do the math.
Motherhood
A mother wolf gives birth to her litter in a den where she keeps them safe from predators and harsh weather conditions for the first few weeks of their lives. In the den, she also nurses them, like all mammals do. When they return to the pack, it is a team effort to feed and keep their young safe until they are independent.
Apex Predators
As we mentioned earlier, wolves are apex predators. Meaning that they have no natural predators that threaten them! However, this does not mean they live safe lives.
Importance of Wolves
Wolves have played a massive role in the balance of the Yellowstone ecosystem. By hunting other predators, they have enabled smaller animals to thrive. And the increased numbers of smaller animals have lured other species to the area, enriching the ecosystem of the park!
Hunting techniques
Wolves make use of a bunch of different hunting techniques based on their social structure and physical abilities. These pack animals are strong and have incredible endurance and agility, attributes that allow them the apex predator title!
Pack Hunting
As pack animals, this might be a bit obvious, but wolves employ pack hunting to take down prey Especially in the case of hunting larger prey like elk or bison! Through teamwork and coordinated attacks, wolves chase, corner, and exhaust their prey.
Ambush
Not only are wolves agile, but stealthy as well! When targeting smaller and solitary prey, wolves will rely on their camouflage to get close to their prey before surprising them with an attack.
Endurance Hunting
Stealthy, agile, and persistent! Their stamina and persistence allow wolves to chase their prey for long distances – exhausting their prey before they take them down.
Specialized Roles
In the wolf pack, different wolves take on different roles during a hunt. One might lead the chase while another is flanking the prey or blocking escape routes. For wolves, teamwork really does make the dream work!
Adaptability
These clever animals adapt their hunting strategies based on the prey and the terrain they are targetting. A skill that allows them to often succeed in their pursuit of prey!
The Video
Have a look at what Kira Cassidy from the Yellowstone Wolf Project has to say about Wolf 907 here.
Oldest Living Wolf In Yellowstone
Highlighting the age of Wolf 907 reminds us of how adaptable, durable, and strong wolves are. And that averages are meant to be surpassed by those who are clever and strong enough to face their dangers and survive.
More Animal News
- How 14 Wolves Completely Changed Yellowstone National Park
- Hungry Wolves Hunt Lone Bison In Yellowstone National Park
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