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Wolf pack in Yellowstone Park

Conservation > Migration and Movement > Tracking Wolf Tracking

Gray wolves have been expanding in number and distribution in Montana for decades. Tracking the movements of individual animals initially revealed general information about habitat use, territory size, and pack behavior. Improved tracking technology allowing frequent detections has revealed surprising or unique movements but also the need to consider habitat at very large scales. In less than one year, a female wolf captured in Montana moved through Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and eventually Colorado. While this wolf eventually died within 500 miles of her capture location, she traveled at least 1,000 miles during her journey. The tracking of this one individual showed her crossing multiple major highways and using public and private land. This type of work also demonstrates the dispersal abilities of wildlife and informs management and conservation decisions.