Rose Creek Alpha Male Dies

I've just been informed that Male #8, Alpha of the Rose Creek pack since October 1995, was found dead on July 4th.

Wildlife biologist Doug Smith found the body of #8 pinned underneath a log in Slough Creek.

Wolf #8 was only six years old. Just one year older than the three surviving offspring of wolves #9 and #10.

The cause of #8's death is not known yet, but Doug said it appears to be from natural causes. A necropsy has been performed and I'll post the results as soon as I know them.

Wolf #8 was an original member of the Crystal Creek pack. He was just under a year old when he arrived in Yellowstone with his parents and three brothers in January 1995.

#8 dispersed from his pack in the fall of 1995 in search of a mate and he soon found Alpha female #9 and her eight pups in the Rose Creek acclimation pen, where the family had been held since the murder of Alpha male #10.

After three of the pups escaped from the acclimation pen and could not be recaptured, #8 took on the responsibility of caring for them.

When female #9 and the rest of the pups were released from the acclimation pen, #8 was gladly accepted by the whole family and became the new Alpha of the Rose Creek pack.

In 1996 male #8 and female #9 had their first litter together.

In 1997 #8 began mating with both Alpha female #9 and her daughter, Beta female #18. This double mating continued until #9 left the pack in the fall of '99. #18 then took over as the new Alpha female of the pack.

Just two and a half months ago #8 and #18 produced their fourth litter of pups. At least five pups have been observed at the den site.

Alpha male #8 will always be remembered and admired for taking on the role of surrogate parent to the offspring of Wolves #9 and #10.

His remarkable maturity and strength allowed the Rose Creek pack to begin anew and become one of the largest and most recognized wolf packs in all of Yellowstone.

Male #8 has also contributed more offspring to the Yellowstone restoration program than any other Alpha male to date.

He is responsible for fathering at least 8 to 9 litters during his five year reign as Alpha of the Rose Creek pack. That is an extraordinary legacy.

Alpha Male #8 will be terribly missed.

There are two more photos of #8 located in the second half of Part 2. Click Here to be taken to that page.

The official necropsy report on Alpha male #8 lists cause of death as "natural - unknown causes."

What that means is that his death is not believed to be a result of foul play, but unfortunately tests were inconclusive in pinpointing the exact cause of his death.

A kick or stomping, possibly by a bull elk, is one theory as to the cause of #8's fatal injury.

After being injured #8 apparently made his way to the waters edge where he succumbed possibly hours or a day later. His body was then carried downstream by the current and ended up pinned underneath a log where Doug Smith found him.