Montana Gray Wolf, Pictures

Since the wolf reintroduction in 1995 in Yellowstone National Park, wolves have made a healthy comeback in southwest Montana. Once believed to be extinct through much of the West, Montana now has an estimated 524 wolves.

Overview

The gray wolf (scientific name: Canis lupus) has stirred much controversy throughout the West due to livestock interactions. One unanticipated outcome has been the rebound in vegetation in riparian zones (water areas) in Yellowstone National Park. Prior to the wolves’ recovery, elk had no main predators. They grazed so heavily that aspen and willow seedlings could not grow. Fewer trees meant fewer dams built by beavers, which caused run off and erosion. More run off and erosion affected the aquatic ecosystem. While wolves hunt elk, deer, and moose, their main choice has been elk. With the decline of elk means less grazing, improved habitat and more food for other small animals and fish because there is no overgrazing by the elk. With the increase of smaller animals, there has also been in increase in the diversity of other small predators.

Folks sometimes confuse a wolf for a coyote. The gray wolf is the largest of all wild dogs. An average male wolf weighs 104 lbs whereas a coyote male will weigh around 40 lbs. If you come upon tracks and are unsure of their origin, you know they are wolf tracks if the hind foot measures between 95-122mm. A coyote’s track will be much smaller at a length of just 50-60mm.

Wolves have recently been delisted as an endangered species in Montana. At the end of 2009, the estimated number of wolves in Montana was around 524 and the estimated number in the northern Rockies was 1,706 wolves. Wolf packs are given names. Around Big Sky, you may spot a wolf from the Toadflax, Hayden, Cougar, or Horn Mtn. packs.

Interesting Facts

• About half of the gray wolves in Montana are gray and the other half are black.
• The average wolf pack territory size is 200 square miles.
• The group name for wolves is pack.
• There is an alpha male and female for each pack.
• The average wolf pack size is 4 to 7 animals.
• Breeding season is during mid-February and pups are born about 63 days later. Average litter size can vary from 1 to 9 pups.

Best Places for Viewing Wolves

Wolves are elusive, as they prefer areas where there are not many roads or other human disturbances. You have the best chance of spotting a wolf near or in Yellowstone National Park or while hiking in the backcountry in Big Sky.

Respecting Wildlife

• Give wolves plenty of space. 25 yards is generally a safe distance for wildlife viewing.
• When viewing wolves from your vehicle, use only roadside pullouts to avoid causing a wolf-jam.
• Do not feed wolves or any other wildlife.