Wolves

Following an absence of more than 70 years, the wolf once again runs beneath the ample skies of Yellowstone National Park. 

In March of 1995 and again in 1996, a total of 31 gray wolves were released in Yellowstone National Park. The wolf restoration plan, completed in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in 1994, restores wolves to Yellowstone and central Idaho by establishing experimental populations of gray wolves in both areas. The goal of the wolf restoration program is to maintain 30 breeding wolf pairs with an equitable distribution throughout the three Rocky Mountain recovery areas including greater Yellowstone, central Idaho and northwest Montana. Currently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is going through the regulatory process to reclassify the gray wolf from endangered to threatened. During the summer, ranger-led interpretive walks explain the program and may facilitate sightings. Check at visitor centers for locations and times. 

In the winter, the Winter Wolf Discovery is a two-night package offering opportunities to spot Yellowstone's wolves in the spectacular Lamar Valley while the Trail of the Wolf package is a three night package including one night lodging at either Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or Old Faithful Snow Lodge and two nights at Mammoth or Snow Lodge, 1¹/₂ days Guided Snowmobile tour and a Lamar Daybreak tour. For more information, please call (307) 344-5566 or visit online at www.TravelYellowstone.com.