A guide in Grand Teton National Park last week documented an extraordinary scene featuring a wolf reacting to the “chilling” cries of a distant coyote.
The accompanying footage was captured by Bo Welden and viewers are urged to turn up the volume and note the young wolf placing its tail between its legs – an act of fear or submission – before running from the unearthly sounds.
Since wolves are substantially larger than coyotes, and seemingly fearless in most situations, viewers might wonder why the wolf was so deeply affected by the howls of a smaller canine.
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That’s not entirely clear, but Welden, a Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures guide who was exploring the park with a friend, implied that the coyote was in distress because of wolves.
“During this event I was able to spot what I believe were three different yearling wolves,” Welden stated via Instagram. “We watched as two coyotes actually chased these wolves away from a possible den site. It’s rare for a coyote to be so brazen.”
Welden told For The Win Outdoors that the wolves had likely raided the coyotes’ den and “possibly even fed on their newborn pups.”
That’d explain the shrill cries.
Welden was with photographer Kelly Wasenmiller, who began her Instagram description: “If I could have ever imagined a more raw and beautiful encounter with a wolf, I would have fallen greatly short.”