Last Call

The Hayden pack was one of the most loved wolf packs by Yellowstone visitors. Truly remarkable animals that went about their daily routine with no regard for their human co inhabitants of the Canyon/Hayden Valley area. They were not tame and did not beg, they were just above paying any attention to the two legged creatures who they had to tolerate during the few months their territory was open to visitors. They knew they were the top dog.

Then one snowy morning in early November morning that changed. I was the first person in the valley that morning searching for signs of my favorite wolf pack, the Hayden's. I had spent many days photographing and watching these fascinating wolves who would allow me the favor of watching them go about their business in a totally normal manner. Soon the Alpha Female ( known by some as the White Wolf ) appeared in one of her favorite howling locations. I was soon nearby when the Alpha Male and the yearlings arrived. Tthey began howling in what was an attempt to call the 5 pups of the year.

Latter I learned that the Hayden pack had been jumped by the larger Molly Pack who normally resided in the Pelican Valley area.
The next evening the Mollies again confronted the Hayden's with the result of the Hayden pack Alpha pair being killed. The Hayden pack is now gone but most of the yearling and pup's survived, dispersing to form their own packs or joining others. So if you see a wolf out there who just doesn't seem to care if you are around it just might be a past member of the late great Haydens.