Yellowstone National Park sees a significant decrease in visitors during the winter months. Less than 5% of the park’s yearly visitors make their way to Yellowstone between the months of November and April. Yet the area offers a stunning look at the natural world in the cold, with tourists able to view its iconic hydrothermal features and enjoy snowcoach or snowmobile tours with much smaller crowds. If they’re lucky, visitors may even have the opportunity to spot some of Yellowstone’s incredible wildlife among the snowy landscape.
Yellowstone has around 83-123 wolves, living in around 10 different wolf packs. Wolf pelts vary depending on region. Between 1980 and 2020, 1.5-2% of Minnesota’s wolves observed were black. Yellowstone is a very different story, with around half of the park’s wolves having a black pelt as their ancestors came from Canada, where black wolves are more common. Wyoming wildlife guide Bo Welden captured some stunning footage of one of the park’s black wolves roaming among geothermal features.
Wolves are typically not dangerous to humans. In fact recent research that studied worldwide data between 2002 and 2020 found that the risks associated with a wolf attack are “above zero, but far too low to calculate.” That said, understanding that wolves are still large predators and respecting their space (at least 100 yards or 300 feet) is absolutely necessary when visiting Yellowstone National Park. Read more on wolf safety below:
Yellowstone National Park Wolf Safety Guidelines:
Wolves are not normally a danger to people, unless they become habituated to their presence and food (there has never been an attack in Yellowstone). Two habituated wolves have been killed in the park. Help us protect wolves in Yellowstone by:
- Remaining at least 100 yards away when watching or photographing them.
- Telling a ranger if you see wolves near developed areas or approaching people.
- Keeping your dog leashed at all times when it’s outside a vehicle.
If you’re concerned about a wolf because it’s too close or not showing any fear of people, stand tall and hold your ground. If the wolf approaches you, wave your arms, yell, and flare your jacket. If that doesn’t discourage it, throw something at it or use bear spray. Group up with other people, continue waving and yelling, and tell a ranger as soon as possible.
Do not handle wolf scat: it may contain tapeworm eggs that can cause hydatid disease in humans.
