10 Facts About Yellowstone’s Iconic Queen of Wolves, 907F, Who Went Down Fighting

Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, but among its inhabitants, few have captured the imagination of visitors and scientists alike as much as Wolf 907F. This legendary alpha female of the Junction Butte Pack, often called the “Queen of the Wolves,” left an indelible mark on the park’s ecosystem and the people who studied her. Here are ten detailed facts about this extraordinary wolf, her pack, and her enduring legacy. Significant about 907F is how she lived beyond her lifespan to 11 years old. Blind in one eye, and suffering mange, she survived as a matriarch populating Yellowstone with a record number of litters, becoming an iconic figure of wolf conservation and Yellowstone’s most famous wolf.

1. A Legacy of Leadership: Alpha Female of the Junction Butte Pack

Wolf 970F became the alpha female of the Junction Butte Pack in December 2014, a critical moment for the pack’s survival. The Junction Butte Pack is a wolf pack in Yellowstone National Park currently famous as the most viewed wolf pack in the world. Formed in April 2012 when 838M was dispersed from the Agate Creek pack, the Junction Butte pack consists of approximately 21 wolves, including the founding parents, siblings, and offspring. 970F will forever be remembered as Yellowstone’s “Queen of the Wolves,” a true icon of strength and survival. Alongside her mate, alpha male 911M, 907F helped strengthen the pack through her exceptional leadership skills. Under her guidance, the pack thrived, successfully navigating territory disputes, seasonal migrations, and rival pack interactions.

2. An Unmatched Matriarch: Mother of Ten Litters

970F’s contribution to the survival of her species extended beyond her leadership role. She was an extraordinary mother, giving birth to ten litters over her lifetime. Her pups added much-needed genetic diversity to Yellowstone’s wolf population, and many of her descendants continue to roam the park today. Her maternal success cemented her status as one of the most prolific wolves in the park’s history.

3. Triumph Over Adversity: The Story of Her Lost Eye

One of the most striking features of 907F was her missing left eye, a reminder of the challenges she faced in the wild. At four years old, she sustained an injury during a hunting incident, likely involving a large prey animal such as an elk. Despite this significant handicap, 907F remained a formidable hunter and a leader, adapting her strategies to overcome the limitations imposed by her injury. Her resilience became a symbol of her indomitable spirit.

4. The Unique Howl That Echoed Through Yellowstone

970F was easily distinguishable by her low-pitched, monotone howl. This vocal signature made her instantly recognizable to wolf researchers and enthusiasts who studied Yellowstone’s packs. Her howl was not just a means of communication but a reflection of her unique personality and a vital tool for maintaining pack cohesion.

5. Outliving Expectations: A Rare Longevity

The average lifespan of a wild gray wolf is typically five to six years, yet 907F defied these odds, living to the remarkable age of 11. Her longevity was a testament to her survival skills, the stability of her pack, and her ability to navigate the many dangers of life in Yellowstone, from rival packs to harsh winters.

6. The Battle with Mange: A Test of Endurance

Mange, a parasitic skin disease caused by mites, is one of the many challenges faced by Yellowstone’s wolves. 970F contracted mange during her lifetime, a condition that causes severe itching, hair loss, and skin damage. Despite the discomfort and vulnerability that mange brings, she fought through the disease, recovering to continue leading her pack and raising her pups.

7. The Junction Butte Pack: A Story of Growth and Survival

The Junction Butte Pack was founded in 2012 by 907F’s predecessors, but it was under her leadership that the pack truly flourished. Located in Yellowstone’s northern range, the pack became one of the park’s most stable and successful groups, boasting a high pup survival rate and effectively defending their territory. The pack’s success under 970F highlights the importance of strong leadership in the wild. 970F’s lineage can be traced back to the Mollies Pack, one of Yellowstone’s original wolf packs. This connection highlights the complex family trees that define Yellowstone’s wolf population and the importance of genetic diversity in maintaining the health of the species. Her ancestry also connects her story to the park’s broader history of wolf conservation.

8. The Rivalry That Led to Her Demise

970F’s life came to a dramatic and tragic end in December 2024 when her pack was ambushed by the rival Rescue Creek Pack near the Yellowstone River. During the encounter, she sustained fatal injuries while defending her pups and her territory. On Christmas day December 25th, the queen fell, succumbing to her injuries. Though her death marked the end of an era, it also underscored her bravery and dedication as a protector of her family.

9. A Genetic Legacy That Lives On

907F’s impact on Yellowstone’s wolf population goes beyond her lifetime. Many of her pups grew into strong leaders, dispersing to form new packs or strengthening existing ones. Through her offspring, her genetic lineage continues to influence the park’s ecosystem, ensuring that her contributions to Yellowstone’s wolves endure.

10. A Conservation Icon: The Queen Remembered

907F’s life story reflects the triumphs and challenges of the wolf reintroduction program in Yellowstone National Park. Reintroduced in 1995, wolves like 907F helped restore balance to the park’s ecosystem by controlling prey populations and fostering biodiversity. Her resilience, intelligence, and leadership made her an icon of the program’s success, inspiring efforts to protect wolves across the United States. As one of Yellowstone’s most studied and beloved wolves, 907F became a symbol for educating the public about the importance of predators in ecosystems. Researchers, park visitors, and wildlife enthusiasts were captivated by her story, which was often shared in books, documentaries, and scientific studies. Her life and legacy continue to inspire conservation efforts worldwide. Though her life ended in a battle with a rival pack, her legacy lives on in the offspring she left behind and the lessons her story teaches about the beauty and challenges of life in the wild.