The clean, white snow makes the wolves' grey, white and black fur stand out. The researchers use this opportunity to conduct their most intense study of the wolves, making notes of their behavior and the reactions of other animals to this carnivore so recently restored to the Yellowstone ecosystem. In teams of two one team for each of three packs in the park the wolf project members fan out across the vast landscape at first light, carrying a spotting scope, data forms, and a radio receiver that allows them to track the collars worn by many of the animals. After setting up headquarters on a hillside where they can watch through the scope, they look to see what the wolves are doing. They want to know who is leading the pack, if the animals come upon any other wildlife, and how often they make a kill.
Every interaction is recorded on the data sheets.
After studying the wolves for a while, the watchers begin to recognize them by their markings and by their personalities. Mule driver Ben Cunningham, with mules Billy and Tack, transports six Sawtooth pups from the Rose Creek pen. Observers have seen 55 elk killed by wolves since they began studying the reintroduced species. The remaining carcass doesn't go to waste, however. Bears, coyotes, and other scavengers come to feed on the wolves' leavings.