Yellowstone Association Institute Press Releases

Yellowstone Association Institute Press Releases Index

Scavengers in Yellowstone National Park

December 20, 2005

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – Join a real, in-the-field scavenger hunt to explore the relationships between wolves and scavengers. The hunt begins at dawn each day, when you look for wolves and other animals interacting at carcasses. How many animals might you find? Maybe wolves, ravens, magpies, coyotes, eagles, and grizzlies. You’ll also learn about their feeding strategies, and how they interact.

The seminar, taught by Dan Stahler, begins on February 16, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. and ends on February 18, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. Mr. Stahler is the project biologist for the Yellowstone Wolf Project where he helps coordinate and direct research on wolves, their prey, and scavenger communities. He has studied wolves since 1996 and earned his degree studying the relationship between Yellowstone’s ravens and wolves.

The program entails brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing with some steep, rugged, off-trail hiking or snowshoeing including breaking trail in variable snow conditions. Snowshoes or skis, which can be rented locally, are required.

The fee for the course is $170 (Yellowstone Association members get a $10 discount). Heated cabins can be rented at the Buffalo Ranch for $25.00 per person per night.

The Institute is a nonprofit field school operated by the National Park’s official educational partner, the Yellowstone Association. The Institute offers a variety of courses in ecology, wilderness skills, and natural history year-round in Yellowstone National Park.

To enroll in this or another field seminar, or to request a catalog that includes a full description of all summer and fall courses, please contact the Yellowstone Association Institute at PO Box 117, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 307-344-2294. Complete information is also available at www.YellowstoneAssociation.org.