YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Last week, Yellowstone National Park (YNP) shared that Wolf 302M’s skeleton is on display at the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center for visitor viewing.
According to a Dec. 19 Facebook post, YNP museum staff teamed up with Park carpenters last month to prepare and relocate the skeleton of Wolf 302M, who lived from 2000 to 2009.
“Wolf 302M’s skeleton tells the story of survival in Yellowstone,” YNP writes. “A healed tail injury and signs of advanced tooth decay highlight the challenges he faced. Despite this, 302M lived to an impressive 9.5 years — nearly double the average lifespan of wolves in the region.”
Yellowstone Forever (YF) writes on its website that Wolf 302M’s lineage is likely traceable to wolves reintroduced in YNP through the Yellowstone Wolf Project. According to YF, Wolf 302M spent many years in the northern range of the Park, mating, defending and providing food for his pack; Wolf 302M became the alpha when he was eight and a half years old.
While most wolves are monogamous, YF says Wolf 302M was often referred to as “Casanova” because he mated with so many females.
The carpentry crew crafted a custom crate to ensure the skeleton was safely transported, minimizing movement and potential damage, YNP confirms. Collections staff, seasonal volunteers and carpenters all successfully transitioned the skeleton into its new, long-term home.
The Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
