Yellowstone Grizzly Chases Wolf From Bison Carcass as 700-Pound Bear Defends Meal

Q: As wolves scavenge more, are deadly clashes with grizzly bears over food becoming more common?

There is no clear evidence that deadly wolf-grizzly clashes over food are becoming more common, even though wolves in Yellowstone are scavenging more often. What the research does show is that scavenging, especially from bison carcasses, has become a bigger part of wolf diets over the past decade. That likely increases the number of encounters between wolves and grizzlies at carcasses, because both species use the same food source. Yellowstone biologists also describe grizzlies as the dominant competitor in these situations, with wolves often losing access to food through intimidation or kleptoparasitism. But more encounters do not automatically mean more deadly outcomes. The available material points to a pattern of avoidance: subordinate predators such as wolves often back off rather than escalate, much like the young wolf in the recent Yellowstone video. Scientists note that interactions can lead to injury or mortality, but the provided evidence does not include trend data showing that fatal incidents are rising. In Yellowstone’s large-carnivore system, these confrontations are a normal part of competition over scarce, high-value food. With wolves relying more on scavenging, especially around bison, opportunities for conflict probably are increasing. Still, based on the evidence provided, it would be more accurate to say that food-related wolf-bear encounters may be becoming more frequent, while any claim that deadly clashes are increasing remains unproven.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 2

Video posted this week by Instagram account @montanawild_ shows a grizzly bear in Yellowstone driving off a young wolf that tried to edge in on a bison carcass.
The caption said the old carcass had drawn some wildlife activity the previous day but became a viewing hotspot that morning, when the wolf quickly learned the bear would not share.
The mismatch was stark: grizzlies can weigh more than 700 pounds, while wolves often stay under 100 pounds, making the wolf’s retreat the safer outcome.
Commenters treated the encounter as both tense and amusing, with one joking the wolf needed a meal but was not ready to die for it.

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Fox News4h ago

Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Chases Wolf From Bison Carcass Meal

Whiskey Riff4h ago

Hungry Wolf Tries To Catch Grizzly Bear Napping By Bison Carcass In Yellowstone National Park | Whiskey Riff

Cowboy State Daily4h ago

Grizzly Roars Echo As Bear, Wolf Clash Over Yellowstone Bison Carcass | Cowboy State Daily

6 Sources

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Yellowstone Grizzly Chases Wolf From Bison Carcass as 700-Pound Bear Defends Meal

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