Wolves of Waterton

Few creatures are an emblem of wilderness like a pack of wolves. These wild hunters are critical to maintaining ungulate populations within the carrying capacity of the ecosystem.

At 505 square kilometers, of which about one-third is prime ungulate habitat, Waterton is too small to maintain a wolf pack entirely within its boundaries.

Wolves are wide-ranging carnivores, often travelling dozens of kilometres from their den when hunting. As a result, wolves commonly travel beyond park boundaries, following the elk herds which are their number one prey, and avoiding the deep mountain snows in winter.

The ultimate health of these wide-ranging animals depends upon the ongoing good stewardship of our neighbours within the Waterton Biosphere Reserve.