A national park employee got a close-up look at a majestic gray wolf while driving down the road.
The driver, Brook, posted a video to her TikTok account (@brooksbabbles) of the wolf trotting across a road. She’s a seasonal worker who lives in Yellowstone National Park, where she gets to see endless natural wonders.
The caption read, “Wolf crossing the road in Yellowstone National Park. It was the most incredible morning working in Yellowstone National Park.”
After it passed the road, the animal galloped a little, heading off to roam around the park. Brook was able to relish the unforgettable moment from the safety of her vehicle. Unfortunately, some people get too close to Yellowstone’s wolves, but watching them from a safe distance is a wonderful way to appreciate the wildlife.
“I’ve worked here for two summers and seen them only a few times. But never this close!! I felt so lucky!!” she said in the comments.
The exciting moment for Brook was a delight for her TikTok followers, but it wasn’t the first time she shared a mesmerizing wolf crossing. Just a few days after posting this video, she shared another clip of a wolf walking along the road.
Yellowstone’s thriving wolf population is positive news for the wolves and the entire ecosystem. These apex predators are a crucial part of their food chain.
A recent study found that wolves benefit willows by controlling the elk population that grazes around the trees. Their hunting also helps scavengers, such as ravens, magpies, and coyotes, and they keep prey populations in check while creating food sources for other wildlife.
Yellowstone was devoid of gray wolves for almost 70 years due to hunting practices. The species was reintroduced to the park in 1995, and the population is now thriving. Bringing wolves back to the park bolstered the entire ecosystem, supporting countless other plant and animal species.
Seeing this wolf cross the road isn’t just a beautiful moment in nature; it’s a symbol of the successful reintroduction efforts that brought these animals back. Healthy ecosystems in places like Yellowstone help create a better future for the whole planet.
People in the video’s comments were in awe.
One person wrote, “It looks so calm and free, that’s why I love wolves.”
Another person said, “Once in a lifetime moment. You are very lucky to see a wolf.”
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