Yellowstone wolf on solo patrol chased for a mile by coyotes

A researcher who studies wolves in Yellowstone National Park has shared footage showing a young wolf fleeing from coyotes with its tail between its legs.

“The first video really highlights the size difference between wolves and coyotes,” stated Taylor Rabe of the Yellowstone Wolf Project, in reference to her Instagram slide post featuring wolf 1497F. “This yearling wolf was not being tolerated by this coyote family in the valley and they made it well known.

“They chased her for about a mile before she quickly crossed the road and left the area all together.”

Although coyotes are about one-third the size of wolves, they’re formidable in groups and will aggressively defend cubs. (Female gray wolves can weigh up to 110 pounds; adult coyotes average 20-35 pounds.)

Wolf 1479F, who is wearing a research collar, belongs to the Junction Butte Pack in the park’s northern range. Rabe’s post also shows the inquisitive canine feasting on a carcass and inspecting a bison on a game trail.

The researcher added that it’s common for young wolves to explore on their own and explained that wolf 1479F was only a couple of miles from the main pack, which “is nothing in the wolf world.”

–Image courtesy of Taylor Rabe