In an unfortunate incident reflecting nature’s war of survival, Yellowstone National Park has bid farewell to one of its most iconic inhabitants, Wolf 907F, affectionately known as the “Queen of the Wolves.” This remarkable gray wolf, who lived to the impressive age of 11 has singlehandedly populated Yellowstone with a record number of pups. A skirmish with a rival pack just before the 25th turned fatal with the Queen succumbing to her injuries on Christmas day. 907F has always been Yellowstone’s most famous wolf and was renowned for her resilience, leadership, and unprecedented reproductive success within the park’s ecosystem.
A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience

Wolf 907F was the alpha female of the Junction Butte pack, a prominent wolf pack in Yellowstone. Her leadership as a matriarch was marked by remarkable resilience; at age four, she lost her left eye due to an unknown injury, yet continued to lead her pack effectively. Over her lifetime, she overcame challenges such as mange and a limp, maintaining her status and contributing significantly to the pack’s success.
Record-Breaking Reproductive Success
Demonstrating extraordinary fertility, 907F gave birth to 10 litters of pups, with her most recent litter born in May 2024. This achievement makes her the most reproductively successful wolf in Yellowstone’s history, far surpassing the average lifespan and reproductive output of gray wolves in the park.
The Final Days: A Fatal Encounter

In late December 2024, while feeding on a bison carcass near the Yellowstone River, 907F and her cubs were confronted by members of the rival Rescue Creek pack. A fierce skirmish ensued, during which 907F sustained injuries. Although she survived the initial encounter, her radio collar indicated a lack of movement on December 26, suggesting she had succumbed to her injuries the previous day.
A Life That Defied the Odds
Living to 11 years old, 907F more than doubled the typical lifespan of gray wolves in Yellowstone, which averages four to five years. She was one of only six recorded wolves to have reached this age since the species was reintroduced to the park in 1995. Her longevity and experiences, including the loss of an eye and surviving mange, highlight her exceptional resilience.
Impact on Yellowstone’s Ecosystem

As a leading figure of the Junction Butte pack, 907F played a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance within Yellowstone. Wolves are apex predators, and their presence helps regulate prey populations, which in turn influences vegetation and other wildlife. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on the park’s biodiversity.
Remembering the Queen of the Wolves
The passing of Wolf 907F marks the end of an era for Yellowstone National Park. Her life and legacy continue to inspire wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, serving as a testament to the resilience and complexity of nature. As Taylor Rabe, a wildlife technician with the Yellowstone Wolf Project, expressed, “It’s sad. But specifically, for all of us on the project, we always like to see a wolf die naturally, rather than at the hands of a human.”
907F with a mate 1048M in 2017. Source: Yellowstone Guide
Wolf 907F’s story underscores the importance of preserving natural habitats and the species that inhabit them, reminding us of the delicate balance within ecosystems and the remarkable creatures that play a part in it.
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