Track a wolf packYellowstone National Park, USA
By 1926, the gray wolf – thought to be a danger to man and livestock – had, for all intents and purposes, been eliminated from Yellowstone National Park. Of course, as we now know, taking out an apex predator in any ecosystem causes all kinds of problems and, as early as the 1940s, scientists and conservationists began campaigning to reintroduce the wild animals to the region. In 1967, the gray wolf was one of the first animals to be listed in the Endangered Species Preservation Act, but it wasn’t until 1995 that 14 wolves were released into Yellowstone. The latest figures from 2012 show there were at least 83 wolves living in 10 packs throughout the national park. They’re around all year, but the best time to see them is at the height of winter when it’s easy to spot their dark figures against the white backdrop and track their footprints in the snow. Take off with a naturalist into the spectacular Lamar Valley, where you can watch these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. You’re also likely to see bison, elks, coyotes and other wild animals.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges offers a number of winter packages. Its Winter in Wonderland starts at US$1865 a person (twin share), including four nights accommodation at Old Faithful Snow Lodge, most meals, guides, snowshoe rental and unlimited ice skating.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges
yellowstonenationalparklodges.com