Breathtaking Video Shows Wolves Hunting Huge Elk Herd in Yellowstone

The wolves were able to take down a young cow from the stampede of over 150 elk.

Nature is both spectacular and cruel beast. All of the members of the animal kingdom must eat to survive, which means that unfortunately, the lifespan of other creatures will ultimately be cut short. 

Such was the case during a recent incident when a pack of gray wolves were caught on video hunting what appeared to be at least 150 elk in Yellowstone National Park. In the footage, which was taken by Michael Sypniewski, a tour guide with the wildlife adventure company Yellowstone Wolf Tracker, the wolves can be seen herding the frantic herbivores as the camera pans in an attempt to catch all of the action.

Finally, one elk is unlucky enough to stray too far from the rest of the herd and an errant wolf makes quick work of taking it down. Within moments, five other wolves join in just before the footage cuts out.

"Sitting alone atop a rocky ridge, I watched a scene unfold that I am not sure I will ever see again," Sypniewski captioned the video, which he posted to Instagram. "A pack of 20 or more wolves in pursuit of a herd of [over 150] elk. This chase, unlike many for wolves, ended in success as they were able to bring down a young cow elk."

View the original article to see embedded media.

But while the violent display may deter those planning a visit to Yellowstone, according to the National Park Service, wolves are not typically a danger to humans and have never attacked a human in Yellowstone.

However, there are also some common sense rules of thumb to ensure against run-ins with the apex predators. Park regulations require all visitors to keep a minimum distance of at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves. It goes without saying that you should also never feed wolves or any other wildlife, and not leave food or other garbage outside unattended. 

In the event you do encounter a wolf, or the animal is showing an insufficient fear of humans, the agency recommends that you "stop, stand tall, and watch what the wolf does." If the wolf approaches, wave your arms, yell, flare your jacket, or group up with others; and throw something at it or use bear pepper spray if it continues to persist.