@taylorlrabe: Over the last 30+ years of the Yellowstone Wolf Project doing predation work, and visiting thousands of carcasses to collect samples - it was found that wolves are primarily selecting for female elk over the age of 12 and past reproductive prime. Wolves enjoy using terrain traps (gullies, rivers, rock cliffs) to aid in capturing prey, however, you can clearly see this female elk is standing her ground and holding her own. She is strong, healthy, and determined to survive. She stood in this ice cold river for HOURS. Finally, when she felt confident, she leapt out of the water and stodded off into the trees, free to live another day. The wolves can recognize when elk, or other large prey are too strong for them to bring down successfully. Often, you see the young wolves, pups and yearlings, really pursuing a prey animal, while the rest of the pack just lays down nearby, knowing they don’t stand a chance. Does that mean a pack of wolves won’t kill a healthy bull elk in its prime? No, I’ve seen it. But prey (bison, elk) is the second leading cause of death for wolves in Yellowstone, they are not going to actively try to go after the biggest and baddest targets. That’s worth recognizing. This female was a bad ass, and I’m glad to see her live on. #yellowstonewolves #wolvesofyellowstone #wildwolves #nature #wolfpack

Taylor Rabe

Open In TikTok:

Region: US

Sunday 09 November 2025 19:16:15 GMT