In the wilds of Yellowstone, a photographer captured a mighty standoff, an illustration in imagery of the beauty and unforgiving reality of a cyclical ecosystem
January 20, 2024. Wolves from the Wapiti pack watch toward the end of the day as the bison enters the Firehole River for the last time. He would die in the water.
Words and photos by Amy Ames
An injured
bison stood on the far side of the Firehole River. It was hulking and
still, showing flesh wounds on the hind quarters. He appeared to be an older
bull, according to our guide Mindy, who said it had likely been injured or
sick before it was stalked by the wolves.
In January, I
took my annual winter voyage to Yellowstone National Park, leading a group of photographers
from across the country. I was nervous: in low snow and mild temperatures, I
wasn’t sure what wildlife we would see. On the third day, however, we caught
wind that a bobcat had been spotted near the Firehole River. As we hurried to
the area, we saw them: three wolves waking up from a nap in the middle of the
road. As others emerged from the forest, they all crossed the river toward
the bison.
January 20. Early in the day, the bison would enter the river for protection from the wolves. He was safe in the water where they would not venture.
Over the next
nine hours, we watched from across the Firehole as the Wapiti wolf pack engaged in the hunt.
They launched repeated attacks on the bison, younger members of the pack exhausting it
by nipping at its hindquarters. Each time he attempted to sit and rest, the
young wolves leapt
forward, startling him into standing again. As the hours passed, the bison became more
fatigued. Then, when we were leaving the park for the night, the bison stood up and entered
the river, denying the pack an easy meal. Instead, he chose to venture to the
water and lay his
head down. An off-duty ranger told us the next morning that the bison took his
last breath in the
water shortly after we’d left.
January 20. Four black wolves from the Wapiti pack gather on the shore of the Firehole River where the bison entered the water. They groomed each other after nipping at the bison several times before this photograph was taken.
The carcass
was partially consumed. The wolves had waited for the bison to drift into
shallower waters, then
spent the night celebrating their meal. Over the next two days, we watched 14 different
wolves visit the carcass, but they weren’t alone. Several coyotes snuck in to snatch
whatever scraps they could before being driven off. Eagles and ravens circled
above, waiting for
the right moment to swoop down and claim their share. Although the wolves were highly
protective of their kill, many other carnivores and scavengers benefited from
the carcass they left
behind. The experience illustrated a vivid picture of the dynamic balance
within ecosystems.
The death of one sustains the life of others.
January 21. A bald eagle and ravens would be among the first visits to the carcass between wolf rounds.
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January 21. This particular wolf did not like the ravens eating on the carcass. He would run back and chase them off each time they would return.
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January 21. A portion of the carcass washed a ways down the river. Ravens began eating it when this wolf approached and hauled it back out of the water.
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About Amy Ames
Amy Ames is a nature photographer who captures the raw and untamed beauty of her subjects. Her goal is to show the pure essence of nature, emphasizing its beauty, power, and vulnerability. Through her photos, she encourages viewers to appreciate and protect the diverse ecosystems of our planet.
