
Yellowstone 'ghost wolf' appears in mist during surreal encounter
'This was the most quintessential Yellowstone moment I've ever experienced,' Bo Welden stated via Instagram. 'A black wolf walking on a geothermal boardwalk while steam from a nearby hot spring shrouds the rest of the pack behind. I could not believe what I was seeing!'
Welden titled his post 'Ghost wolf.'
If viewers look closely, as Welden pans to his right, they'll see a light-colored wolf gazing through steam toward the camera, and a third wolf closer to the boardwalk.
The mystical footage provides a captivating glimpse into the lives of Yellowstone's iconic wolves during the winter, when thermal areas provide warm refuge.
Welden told FTW Outdoors that the wolves are part of the wide-ranging Wapiti Lake Pack, presently the largest wolf pack in the park.
The same pack was observed recently on a bison kill in a predation event that caused a bison stampede that 'thundered' through a crowd of panicked onlookers, according to photographer Jeff Vanuga.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Miami Herald
5 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Tour groups block millions of wildebeest during iconic ‘Great Migration.' ‘Chaos'
Dozens of safari tour groups in Serengeti National Park were photographed blocking the river crossing of millions of wildebeest during their annual 'Great Migration' — widely regarded as one of the most impressive spectacles in nature. In an Instagram photo shared July 21 by wildlife guide and photographer Nick Kleer, tour vehicles and spectators could be seen standing along the banks of the Mara River, obstructing routes that have been traveled by the species for generations. 'These ancient migration routes, shaped by instinct and generations of survival, were blocked by humans who should know better,' Kleer said in the post. 'The herds were forced to scatter. Some ran for cliffs and jumped in panic,' Kleer said, calling the situation 'chaos.' 'The rangers who blocked these passages today are meant to be custodians of the wild,' Kleer said in the post. 'In my opinion, they ended up being as bad as poachers.' In a video about the experience, a shaken up Kleer said his small group was parked a safe distance away from the river on the opposite side, with extra space to allow the wildebeest to pass through since their usual entry and exit paths were blocked. Responses to the images The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators condemned the 'unethical safari practices' in a new release shared July 21. 'This behavior not only compromises the safety of guests and wildlife but also threatens the integrity of one of nature's most spectacular phenomena,' Executive Director Elirehema Maturo said in the release. Training sessions were held for over 1,000 guides across Tanzania to 'reinforce best practices in ethical and responsible guidance,' Maturo said. Kleer shared a photo of a press release from Tanzania National Parks stating that all vehicles involved had been identified and 'strict disciplinary measures will be taken' against the guides, according to a July 21 post on X. It is against park rules for tourists to get out of their vehicles at the area, officials said. The Great Migration The Great Migration is the largest mammal migration on earth. During this event, between 1 and 2 million wildebeest travel nearly 500 miles, beginning in Tanzania's southeastern Serengeti and trek north to Kenya's Masai Mara before returning in the fall. The massive heard travels in lines up to 25 miles long, facing perils including crocodile-filled rivers and lions, according to experts.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Mountain rescuers halt training to clear up litter
A mountain rescue team have said they were "heartbroken" to have to "down tools" to clean up rubbish including disposable barbecues during a training session at a beauty spot. Volunteers from the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team were out in the area known as Waterfall Country in the Bannau Brycheiniog national park when they spotted litter strewn across the ground. In a post on social media, the team said they were "forced to down tools – but not for a rescue". "Our volunteers give their time to help people in need. Picking up after others shouldn't be part of the job but sadly, it's becoming more common," the volunteers said. Litter fears as TikTok sparks forest visitor surge Instagram tourists urged to respect beauty spot "In one of Wales' most beautiful areas, it was heartbreaking to see nature treated as a dumping ground. "Training was paused as our volunteers gathered as much rubbish as they could safely carry out." The team said they also found plastic bottles, crisp packets and broken glass strewn across the landscape. They warned litter "not only spoils the landscape, it's dangerous for wildlife, livestock and other visitors". They urged visitors to Bannau Brycheiniog, also known as the Brecon Beacons, to "follow the simple leave no trace principle: whatever you bring with you, take it home". The "Instagrammable" national park is visited by about four million people each year and, last summer, the authority urged tourists to research and respect the area. Keep Wales Tidy said recent figures showed fast food packaging was found on 26.4% of streets and drinks litter on 43.6%, saying this was "a clear sign that throwaway culture is taking a toll on every corner of Wales". It warned litter "continues to blight communities, threaten wildlife and damage our precious natural environment". The organisation has teamed up with content creators across Wales to help spread the message to new audiences via social media. Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy chief executive, said it was "unacceptable that areas of such outstanding beauty are being disrespected in this way, putting wildlife, people and our fragile ecosystem at risk". He added: "We're saddened that mountain rescue volunteers had to come face to face with the growing problem of litter in one of Wales' most beautiful and fragile landscapes. "Their experience in Waterfall Country is, sadly, all too familiar." Ceredigion-based ecologist and content creator, Joe Wilkins, who does the Sandwich with a View series on Instagram, said: "As someone who loves Wales and encourages people to explore our wonderful nation responsibly, I know how vital it is that we keep these special places litter-free. "Nature in Wales is under pressure from many threats beyond our control, but taking our litter home is one simple action we can all take to help wildlife recover and thrive. "Let's make memories, not mess." 'Leave barbecues at home' Natural Resources Wales has also urged visitors to Wales' green spaces to enjoy the outdoors responsibly this summer. "To prevent wildfires from igniting, do not light campfires, discard cigarettes or leave litter in the countryside, especially glass bottles," it said. It said barbecues should be left at home in dry weather or only used in designated spaces where signs say they are allowed, before being put out and disposed of responsibly once the ashes are cold. They also urged people to stay safe around water, adding waterfalls were dangerous places to swim due to strong currents. More like this story Litter 'nightmare' as street cleanliness worst on record Man with hypothermia rescued from mountain peak Woman rescued after fall in ravine


Elle
5 hours ago
- Elle
Travis Kelce Shares Intimate, Never-Before-Seen Photos From His Offseason With Taylor Swift
THE RUNDOWN Taylor Swift went Instagram official with Travis Kelce over a year ago, but now Kelce is returning the favor in a big way. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end just shared a carousel of photos on Instagram revealing how the couple spent his offseason. 'Had some adventures this offseason, kept it 💯,' he wrote. From ski trips to getaways in warmer places, Swift and Kelce appeared very coupled up in the snaps. The Instagram post marks the first time either of them has shared intimate glimpses of their private life together. A source spoke to People on July 1 about how transformative these past few months have been for the couple, who will celebrate their two-year anniversary in just weeks. 'It's been a turning point for their relationship in a lot of ways,' the source said. 'They're incredibly happy and in sync. There's a calmness and ease to their relationship right now that's been really grounding for Taylor and Travis.' 'Taylor and Travis are soaking up every minute of this slower season together,' the source added. 'They've been splitting their time between New York, Nashville, and a few quiet getaways, just enjoying each other's company without all the usual chaos. This kind of downtime is rare for both of them, and it's really allowed their bond to deepen.' Swift and Kelce were spotted in Big Sky, Montana, in March. For the most part, however, they've managed to keep their vacations under the radar. Now, it's back to work. Kelce just began training camp for the Kansas City Chiefs this week. Once his season begins this fall, Swift will be in the stands, cheering him on. On June 12, a source told People that this football season will be different. 'Her schedule is much more open now that the Eras Tour is wrapped, and she's genuinely excited to have the time and flexibility to show up for Travis more consistently,' the source said. Swift shared her first Instagram post with Kelce back in June 2024, which included a photo of them with Prince William, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte during one of her London Eras Tour shows. 'Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start 🇬🇧🇺🇸🤝@princeandprincessofwales,' Swift wrote.