The Ultimate Guide to finding wolves in Yellowstone

Ever since childhood I had my sights set on finding a Yellowstone wolf. My parents bought me books filled with pictures of wolves when I was a kid. I would look at it for hours drooling over the images of wolves. There is something about an apex predator that fascinates me like no other. I’ve explored Yellowstone for months worth of time between numerous road trips. Im excited to share my vast knowledge and experience with you to help you have the best chance to see my favorite animal !

Watch my Wolf high-lights Youtube video below

Below are highlights of my experiences with wolves in Yellowstone National Park. The video shows wolves ranging from pups just a year old to more mature grey wolves with different variations of color. I have photographed wolves in all seasons in the park. If you enjoy the video subscribe and share with a friend.

The Wolf Hotspots

Wolves can be seen anywhere in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. However, knowing the wolf hotspots can really help to increase your chances. The most likely spot to see a wolf is the Lamar Valley to the north. Check out this map below:

The majority of the park’s wolves live in the Lamar Valley due to such high prey numbers. Another wolf hot spot is the Hayden Valley, more centrally located. My final hotspot recommendation is the Swan lake flats. Swan Lake flats is to the north north close to Mammoth. My best recommendation for any location is to go first thing in the morning. You can find a spot with a clear view of the landscape and patiently wait with binoculars. This method requires a lot of persistence, as well as some luck. You may also be lucky to spot a group of folks with long range scopes who may have already spotted wolves. Be respectful always, as you may see professional wolf researchers who have a very important role in the park. If you treat them nicely, they may want to share their wolf experience with you by allowing you to take a peak thru their scope.

General tips to increase your chance to find wolves

• Wake up early in the morning and stay out late! Wolves are primarily active at dawn and dusk.
• Search for wolves in areas with heavy prey species, such as elk, sheep and bison.
• Be persistent! It may take you more then one sunrise, or even more then one or two trips to see a wolf in the wild. I know that may come as discouraging, but the reality is wolves try to avoid people. By following all my tips in this article, your chances will increase but it’s never guaranteed.
• Invest in either a long range scope or a good pair of binoculars. The dream for many is to see wolves clearly with their own naked eye. I am very fortunate that my dream of seeing wolves in that way has come true. However, it took months of searching before that ever happened. The majority of my wolf sightings have been from far away.
• Go to Yellowstone in the winter! if you truly want to see wolves the winter will give you the best chance. Wolves are more active in the winter than any other time of year making them easier to spot. Unlike the majority of Yellowstone, the Lamar Valley is open for driving in the winter (weather dependent).

Look for wolves close to water

Like all animals, wolves are reliant on sources of water. To better your chances of finding wolves, be sure that you are searching heavily along rivers and creek beds. The water sources that will give you the best chance to find wolves are the Lamar and Yellowstone River. The Wapiti Lake Pack can sometimes be spotted near the Madison River to the west. I have had the best chance seeing wolves at pebble and slough creek. These Lamar Valley creek beds are both located in close proximity to the larger Lamar River.

I truly hope you enjoyed this ultimate guide to finding wolves in Yellowstone. Wolves are my favorite animal and I feel so fortunate that I have had so many sightings. I want you to have a beautiful experience seeing wolves as well. With any luck a wolf sighting will cause you to love these valuable creatures just as I do. You can follow me on instagram @brianjohnsadventure, youtube Brian Johns Adventure and even Tikok @brianjohnsadventure to see more of my photography. I would love to hear what you think of the article below! Lastly, don’t forget to subscribe for more informative posts about nature.