Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

News

Yellowstone Wolf in Colorado

Collared female wanders over 1,000 miles from national park

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Wyoming just isn’t big enough for a wanderin’ wolf: In search of a new Rocky Mountain high, a lone female wolf from one of Yellowstone’s packs traveled over 1,000 miles from her home range in search of new territory. The last known location of the 18-month-old female known as 318F is somewhere in the mountains of Eagle County, Colorado.

After 318F left Yellowstone, she cruised first through the Bridger-Teton National Forest, then wandered through southwest Wyoming, and even tripped through Utah and Idaho before coming to Colorado two weeks ago. Park officials can track this wolf because she wears a collar outfitted with a GPS tracking device.

The most recent wolf in Colorado was killed on I-70 near Idaho Springs back in 2004. But if 318F can steer clear of trouble, she might get to stay: Since 2004, Colorado has adopted a policy of allowing wolves to naturally resettle, provided they don’t clash with humans or livestock.

Welcome to Colorado, 318F. The living is pretty good around here, but I’d recommend staying away from I-70—that highway sucks for wolvesand people.

—Ted Alvarez

Yellowstone wolf drifts into Colorado (Grand Junction Sentinel)

Image Credit: Peupleloup

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

Keywords: