Nick Zimmer spent the day in Yellowstone National Park on Monday attempting to find the remainder of the Wapiti Lake wolf pack. He had spotted eight of them sleeping and hoped they would lead him to the others.
As darkness began to fall on the northern range of Yellowstone, Zimmer gave up his quest and started to head out of the park. And then it happened. He found the rest of the pack.
Zimmer explained to USA Today/For The Win Outdoors what transpired:
“Right around the corner, I saw shadows moving very quickly and towards the road. So all I could think to do was grab my phone and record whatever animal was running towards the road.
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“All of a sudden an elk appeared in my headlights running full speed and with wolves closely behind it. I was shocked, and when the elk ran onto the road, it slipped and a wolf gained on it and actually bit onto its hind leg. The elk managed to regain its footing and kick the wolf off.
“More and more wolves ran across and I realized this was the rest of the pack I was looking for all day!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVXpG1eclWI
“They continued to chase the elk and actually (took) it down about 70 yards off of the road. Being the only one there, it was so quiet around that you could actually hear the wolves panting after a long chase.
“I could still barely see them in the darkness and stayed a while watching and listening to the wolves eat their fresh kill. I have spent many days in the park tracking wolves but have never had an experience like this. Once in a lifetime sighting.”
Photo courtesy of ViralHog.