American Wildlife Yellowstone Edition Predators Gray Wolf

PHOTOGRAPHBYJOELSARTORE, NATIONALGEOGRAPHICPHOTOARK

Canis Lupus Cougar

Throughout Yellowstone history there have been around 43 wolf packs, although in 2019 only eight remained

Only 2% of mammals have "helpers," which are group members that aren't parents of the offspring but still care for them, and wolves are one of these species The largest wolf pack in Yellowstone was the Druid Peak Pack and in 2001 was recorded to have 37 wolves

Territoriality between packs accounts for 51% of all known wolf mortality

The hybridization with dogs has given the genetic mutation K to wolves, K allows wolves to have a black coat

Puma concolor

Cougars often kill in forested areas with steep terrain

In Yellowstone, cougars are the other top predators with wolves and bears

In 2001, only 42 cougars lived in Northern Yellowstone, because their population was increased 10% after wolves were reintroduced

Cougars' preferred prey is elk, but mule deer are second

Cougar cubs are born with spots, that disappear when they are around 9 months old

Red fox

Vulpes vulpes

PHOTOGRAPHBYDENNIS DONOHUE,DREAMSTIME

A group of foxes is called a skulk or a leash

Fox kits stay with their parents for seven months

Foxes are smarter than most but not all dog breeds the Red Fox is the largest of all fox species in the world; they stand at about 16 inches

In a Fox's eye there is a layer called the tapetum lucidum; this in turn doubles the intensity of images received by the fox.

PHOTOGRAPHBYMLORENZPHOTOGRAPHY/GETTYIMAGES

PHOTOGRAPHBYTOMMURPHY, NATGEOIMAGECOLLECTION

Canis latrans

Coyotes often reuse the dens and burrows of woodchucks and badgers

Coyotes almost always live in family groups called packs

Coyotes are one of the most adaptable canines because of their large diet, ability to live almost anywhere, and their cleverness

Coyotes originated from Mexico but now inhabit almost all of Northern America

Coyotes live for about 14 years