While heading for the Moran entrance we noticed animal activity in a pasture at Elk Ranch. Upon pulling to the shoulder we could see a number of scavengers hoping to make a meal from a wolf killed elk carcass; the problem was that the wolf was still feeding on it...
The carcass was a long way from the road and in an eastern direction which means the sun is behind the critters. I would prefer not to publish photos with technical issues but, in the world of wildlife photography, one must take what one can get.
There were coyotes, as well as ravens and an eagle, waiting for the wolf to finish so they could grab a scrap for themselves...
Eventually, the wolf appeared to be finished and left the remains...
The eagle swooped in to exert dominance over the ravens...
In the next photo you can see one of the coyotes waiting for the wolf to leave before trying to eat...
A second coyote cautiously passes the wolf, not sure if it is safe to head for the carcass...
The wolf joined a second wolf that we had not noticed lying nearby...
After a short digestion period the wolves decided to reclaim their kill...
The ravens and eagles flee as the wolves return...
When they returned, the wolves began to feed again even though they already appeared to be stuffed...
One wolf attempted to carry the carcass off...
Not to be outdone the other wolf grabbed a portion, too...
As they fed, the wolf on the right can be seen spitting out elk hair...
When they had eaten their fill a second time both wolves left the remains to the scavengers. When we returned, several hours later, there was not a trace of the elk to be seen.
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