The Alpha Male Returns

July 12, 2024

The day began with a decent sighting. Right away at 5:50, we had 1479F, 1477F, 907F and the pups in front of the right group of trees. They gathered for a mournful group howl, likely calling for the missing alpha male. I think there was another black adult, likely 1385F, participating in the howl.

At 6:24, a black bear came through the den area causing surprisingly little concern. At 6:40, the gray pup and 907F went back behind Flower Hill. 1477F laid down in the marsh and 1479F laid just below the left crest of Flower Hill. Both occasionally put their heads up to the delight of first-time viewers. At 8:26, 1477F walked up to Flower Hill.

A teenage boy and his mom shared some photos with me that they had taken on their way to Slough this morning at Phantom Lake. It sure looked like the alpha male but it was hard to tell and it was in the wrong area for a Junction Butte wolf.

Thinking the morning's excitement was over and the pack was bedded down for the day, John began to pack up the camera. Suddenly, Jason saw 907F get up, and we watched as she ran, no bounded, to the left. I shouted to John to come back out, and he set up as quickly as possible. All the wolves got up to follow 907F. The alpha male returned! They ran toward each other in a joyful reunion. We examined him for the white face, legs and tummy, and we all agreed it was him. To be sure, we radioed to anyone at Slough, and Rick M. answered, confirming his identity. We all cheered at the confirmation. He was moving slowly, so he is likely injured. While it is good to have him back, the pack is still in danger if he does not return to his former self.

The Return of the Alpha Male

We said our goodbyes to our new friend, Jason, as well as Kriztina on radio. The sighting of the alpha male sustained us for several hours of our drive toward home. Once I had cell service, I received a text from Debbie. She said that Taylor saw the alpha male two days ago. She never posted on Instagram about it, so I believe she kept that from the wolf watchers. I am so disappointed in her.