Wolf 907F, the venerable alpha female of a gray-wolf pack in Yellowstone National Park, has defied expectations by giving birth to her 10th litter of pups at the age of 11. This remarkable feat, reported by the Cowboy State Daily, highlights the resilience and endurance of this one-eyed wolf elder.
Despite the average lifespan of gray wolves ranging from three to four years, Wolf 907F has consistently produced pups every year for a decade since reaching sexual maturity. Kira Cassidy, a research associate at the Yellowstone Wolf Project, believes this to be a record for wolves in Yellowstone.
Cassidy acknowledges the rarity of such longevity in the wild, estimating that only about 1 in 250 wolves in Yellowstone survive to their 11th birthday. Wolf 907F’s ability to navigate the challenges of the Northern Range, where competition from other wolves is fierce, is particularly remarkable.
The alpha female’s leadership role in the Junction Butte pack, which boasts a larger-than-average size of 10 to 35 members, contributes to the pack’s success in territorial disputes. Wolf 907F’s experience and accumulated knowledge provide her pack with a strategic advantage, especially in confrontations with rival packs.
Despite facing the inherent dangers of life in the wild, Wolf 907F demonstrates resilience and adaptability, even with only one functioning eye. Her ability to adapt her hunting tactics and care for her pups underscores her exceptional survival skills.
Although her current litter of three pups is smaller than average, it is a testament to her tenacity and resilience. Most of her offspring may not reach adulthood due to the challenges of survival, but Wolf 907F and her pack exemplify the enduring spirit of Yellowstone’s wolves.
As Cassidy observes, despite the hardships they face, these wolves find joy in their familial bonds and the simple pleasures of daily life. Wolf 907F’s legacy extends beyond her individual contributions to her pack; she embodies the resilience and indomitable spirit of Yellowstone’s iconic wolves.