A tour guide in Yellowstone National Park this week captured extraordinary footage showing a tiny wolf pup emerging from a den to find itself face-to-face with a bull elk.
“At just a month old, this was likely the first time the young wolf had ever seen an animal of this size,” Yellowstone Wolf Tracker explained via Instagram. “The two shared a quick glance that seemed to make time stand still.” (See video below.)
The description continued, “This moment, although short-lived, made us onlookers ponder questions regarding what the future might hold for the young wolf.
“Would this encounter potentially shape the wolf into a fearless hunter? Are we possibly seeing the makings of a future pack leader? Only time will tell!”
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The footage is grainy because it was captured, by Michael Sypniewski, through a spotting scope from a distance of 3/4 of a mile.
Leo Leckie, spokesman for Yellowstone Wolf Tracker, told FTW Outdoors that the pup belongs to the Junction Butte Pack in the park’s northern range.
The Junction Butte wolves “have become skilled bison hunters over the years,” Leckie added.
Yellowstone wolves also prey on elk, deer, and smaller mammals.
Wolf pups are born in early spring. They typically begin to emerge from dens at 10-14 days, according to the park. They stay at the den site for up to 10 weeks.
Yellowstone Wolf Tracker offers wolf-watching expeditions throughout the year.