Wolves (a bit of gore)

Roaddog 52Roaddog 52 Registered Users Posts: 309 Major grins
edited February 20, 2009 in Wildlife
I recently had the great fortune of seeing some of the Yellowstone wolves up close and personal. Prior to this visit the closest I had been to the wolves was 600 yards or so.

We arrived in Gardiner late in the afternoon, but decided to take a quick run into the park, and fortune smiled upon us. The wolves had killed this elk two days before and were basically finished with it. I was able to get within 200 yards of this particular male.

I realize that these images are in need of some technical work and I will be working on that.

471798631_cmXVA-L.jpg

Dinner time

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I don't know where I'm goin, but I'm goin anyway.

Comments

  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited February 17, 2009
    Think you did an awesome jobthumb.gifthumbthumb.gifthumbthumb.gif

    Keep apostin' .............
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • The Wild EyeThe Wild Eye Registered Users Posts: 92 Big grins
    edited February 17, 2009
    Sorry!
    Sorry to give you the bad news!! But this is a coyote and not a wolf. Wolves are much bigger and their tails aren't nearly as "fluffy".

    Still great shots and I'd give any thing to have some of my own!! You were lucky!!
    The Wild Eye

    Canon 1D Mark II, 16-35mm, 28-135mm, 50mm, 100-400mm, 1.4X, 600mm FD & 1.4X FD.

    "Wildlife photography drives my passion. But there is something about being in the midst of a scenic view that takes your breath away."

    www.SamSwartz.Net
  • Roaddog 52Roaddog 52 Registered Users Posts: 309 Major grins
    edited February 17, 2009
    I could be mistaken. This animal was about the size of a German Sheppard. If am mistaken I was in good company as there were twenty some odd people taking pictures of these animals. Some of the people were from the Yellowstone Institute who track and study these wolves full time.

    This particular animal finished his meal then went back up to the top of the ridge to join this pack.

    These images have been cropped to the extreme in order to see the animals better

    Check out this link; http://www.wolftracker.com/gallery/index.htm


    475504266_M3mT7-L.jpg
    I don't know where I'm goin, but I'm goin anyway.
  • The Wild EyeThe Wild Eye Registered Users Posts: 92 Big grins
    edited February 17, 2009
    It is odd that you had someone from the Yellowstone institute get this wrong? The shot you just posted are deffinently wolves. I'm not sure I can really explain the differences other than telling you once you've seen a wolf close up you can see the size difference. The wolf is much bigger and they run more like a dog where a coyote "hop" or "glide". They only reason I'm pointing this out to you is because I made the same mistake the first time I went to Yellowstone. And I wish someone would have taken the time to show me more of the differences. Also the ears on a coyote come more to a point where the wolf is more rounded. You can kind of see this below.

    It's kind of like trying to tell a young grizzly bear apart from a brown black bear while your up there!! That one can some times be tough too!

    When you see their faces up close there are some differences. I'm going to attach some close up shots that I hope will help! And again don't get me wrong this is a great shot and I'm really jealous because I've always wanted to go to Yellowstone in the winter. Or just go back to Yellowstone for that matter. Let me know if this dosen't help because I'll try to find one other thing for you!

    #1     Coyote: See how the face is a little smaller and the color is a little more tan.
    142222193_6uwAM-M-2.jpg

    #2 Wolf: See how he has a "bigger" wider face and is more white in color?
    204813224_Ev9GX-M-1.jpg

    This might not be scientific reasons But there what I have for the blind eye right now....=)

    Does this help?
    The Wild Eye

    Canon 1D Mark II, 16-35mm, 28-135mm, 50mm, 100-400mm, 1.4X, 600mm FD & 1.4X FD.

    "Wildlife photography drives my passion. But there is something about being in the midst of a scenic view that takes your breath away."

    www.SamSwartz.Net
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited February 17, 2009
    Excellent bejhavioral captures Phil. thumb.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • jaxjax Registered Users Posts: 143 Major grins
    edited February 17, 2009
    Great shots!

    The animal in the first two images you posted is definitely not a wolf, but the shots are great nonetheless.
  • Roaddog 52Roaddog 52 Registered Users Posts: 309 Major grins
    edited February 17, 2009
    I stand corrected. I checked with Nathan Varley and he straightened me out. I thought for sure this animal came from the pack that was a mere few hundred yards from this kill, but I was mistaken. ne_nau.gif Maybe I'll have better luck on my next trip.

    Thanks for taking the time to view the images and for your comments setting me straight.

    Phil
    I don't know where I'm goin, but I'm goin anyway.
  • leaheleahe Registered Users Posts: 168 Major grins
    edited February 20, 2009
    Phil, I'm jealous that you got to see wolves in Yellowstone. What a beautiful sight that must have been. I did a paper on the reintroduction of the wolf into Yellowstone just after they released them and I have always wanted to go back. I haven't been there since the late 80's so I definately have to go back soon. Thank you for sharing your shots.
    Leah Earle
    http://www.LeahEarlePhotography.com
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