The ‘Wolf Queen’ was killed by a pack of rivals

Yellowstone National Park lost one of its most famous and resilient residents, an 11-year-old one-eyed wolf who gave birth to a record 11 litters in its long life. 907F, often called the “Wolf Queen” because of her dominant role in the Junction Butte pack, died on December 25, 2024 after a clash with a rival pack. 907F lives twice as long as the typical lifespan of gray wolves in Yellowstone (4 – 5 years). Its longevity and alpha role make it a legendary figure in the national park’s ecosystem and among wildlife lovers, according to Live Science.

The events that led to its death began on December 22 when 907F and her calf ate bison carcasses on the north bank of the Yellowstone River. Members of the rival Rescue Creek pack, normally confined to the south bank, suddenly crossed the river and engaged in intense fighting with the 907F’s pack.

Although 907F survived the initial encounter, it suffered fatal injuries. Its radio collar tracked by Yellowstone biologists revealed it did not move on December 26, indicating that the wolf was dead. “It’s very sad. But for all members of the project, we always want to see wolves die naturally instead of dying at the hands of humans,” said Taylor Rabe, wildlife technician in the Project. Yellowstone wolves, shared.

907F is one of six wolves that have lived up to 11 years since the animal was reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in 1995, according to Smithsonian Magazine. 907F has experienced many tragedies. Scientists suspect it lost its left eye when it was 4 years old, although the cause is unclear. 907F also survived scabies, an infectious skin disease caused by mites that burrow into the skin.

Despite the adversity, she continued to lead the herd effectively, even giving birth to a litter of offspring in the spring of 2024, surprising researchers with her vitality at such an old age. 907F gave birth every year for the entire decade before its death, from the time it became mature. This makes 907F the most successful wolf breeder in Yellowstone history.