I joined my friend and colleague Hugh Rose for a one-day professional photography permit in Denali National Park on Thursday. Historically, (that is over the last 15 years) whenever Hugh and I join up in the park, we encounter something special to photograph, and this short trip rivals all previous ones.
When exiting the park about 8pm, after a very slim day of photography, we stumbled upon a cow moose defending her calf from a lone wolf. Her success at chasing off the wolf was quickly challenged when 5 more of the pack showed up, and absolute organized chaos broke out as the pack strategically lunged at the one week old moose calf. Back-lit in a small tundra pond, the cow moose charged, stomped and splashed. Water was flying everywhere as the wolves attacked them from all angles. It was a real-time spectacle of nature unfolding before our eyes. The calf sought protection under the mom’s belly, as she chased off the pack with her deadly hoofs. But the wolves were cunning and relentless and over time they dragged the calf away from the mother. It was amazing how many times, after thinking the calf was surely dead, it got back up again once the mother fended off the attack. Besides frantically photographing and cheering on the cow moose in her vigilant defense, the odds of survival were obviously slim, and in the end, the wolves were successful in the kill.
It was a scene of mixed emotion, adrenalin and lots of shutter clicks. I’ve heard of similar predator-prey encounters from colleagues over the years, but I’ve never had the chance to see one myself. After nearly 30 years of visiting the park, I guess my turn finally emerged. Below are a few frames from the attack scene, which lasted about 10 minutes (from the time the wolf pack surrounded the moose until they killed the calf and dragged it to the tundra).
Wolf eyes a newly born moose calf, one of a pack of 6 that executed a deadly attack soon following. Denali National Park, Alaska. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 500mm f/4L IS, 1/400 @ f/4, ISO 400
Five wolves surround a cow and young moose calf in a small tundra pond in Denali National Park, Alaska. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 100-400mm (150mm) f/5.6L IS, 1/500 @ f/5.6, ISO 800
Wolves dodge the violent defense of a mother moose as she attempts to protect her newborn calf from the Grant Creek wolf pack, Denali National Park, Alaska. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 100-400mm (250mm) f/5.6L IS, 1/1250 @ f/5.6, ISO 800
Water sprays as wolves dodge the violent kicking defense of a mother moose as she attempts to protect her newborn calf from the Grant Creek wolf pack, Denali National Park, Alaska. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 100-400mm (150mm) f/5.6L IS, 1/500 @ f/5.6, ISO 800
The alpha male of the Grant Creek wolf pack goes for the jugular of the newborn moose calf, Denali National Park, Alaska. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 100-400mm (250mm) f/5.6L IS, 1/640 @ f/5.6, ISO 800
Radio-collared alpha male wolf prepares to lunge at a young moose calf in Denali National Park, Alaska. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 100-400mm (200mm) f/5.6L IS, 1/500 @ f/5.6, ISO 800
Angry cow moose violently, but in the end unsuccessfully, defends her young calf from wolves, Denali National Park, Alaska. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 100-400mm (160mm) f/5.6L IS, 1/500 @ f/5.6, ISO 800
The Grant Creek wolf pack attacks a young moose calf in Denali National Park, Alaska. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 100-400mm (135mm) f/5.6L IS, 1/500 @ f/5.6, ISO 800
The Grant Creek wolf pack attacks a young moose calf in Denali National Park, Alaska. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 100-400mm (220mm) f/5.6L IS, 1/800 @ f/5.6, ISO 800
Update June 14, 2010
Many have inquired about other frames from this dramatic encounter, so I have them uploaded 67 of them to my stock photo website and they can be viewed at this link: wolf and moose attack photos.
What an incredible scene! #2 very powerfully conveys a feeling of suspense and imminent chaos. Is it just me, or is there a collar on the wolf in #5 and #6?
No you are correct, both wolves are collared. They are the alpha male and female of the Grant creek pack, the other subordinate wolves are not collared. Its unfortunate those collars are so huge.
Just saw your FB post… the emotions come through in spades in these (larger) images. Just amazing.
Thanks Jesse, I switched to larger photos on the blog because they make all the difference in the world when trying to get into an image.
Congratulations Patrick. Amazing scene and opportunity!
Wolves are very good at what they do. Exciting to watch but not to pretty to watch.
10 minutes in good light and close enough for tight shots. Doesn’t get any better then that. Is this all with your 500? w 1.4?
Great stuff Patrick.
Calvin,
Sorry I forgot to include EXIF data under the pictures, I just updated them. Most were taken with the 100-400, in the range of 150-220mm. It was a little crazy as you could imagine, and I REALLY wanted the 1D Mark 4 for the frame rate and buffer. I actually missed lots of shots due to odd positioning of the flying wolves. More fps would have helped a lot. But still, it was incredible, and hard to believe I actually saw it.
Poor little guy. I guess, with 6 wolves, chances were never great for the baby moose. 🙁
Incredible series Patrick, just amazing. This is nature in it’s most raw form. Shame about the little guy, but those wolves have to survive too. Great shots, and what an amazing thing to witness.
Hey Patrick, I just cannot imagine the exhillaration and heart-pumping you must have felt from watching this LIVE and trying your best to get it on media….how wonderful. Nature’s blessings were there with you and you, of course, as always, were there with everything you needed to share it with the world. Wow, thanks.
Patrick, I am THRILLED to death that you are writing so much about your ventures into the most beautiful and delightful place in the world! I have always wondered which is better, your writing or your amazing images…so glad to see both now!
Thats amazing Patrick. I thought it was the 100-400 initially but just couldn’t quite believe you were that close. I also see that it was pretty low light. Amazing what opportunity digital gives us. It looks like from your data that the perfect set up would have been the 70-200 2.8. Sure don’t expect that to be the case normally.
The sounds must have been amazing too. A truly incredible experience. I’m thrilled for you Patrick and look forward to seeing it in a number of publications.
Wow. Wow. Wow.
Hey everyone, thanks for your comments, I appreciate your feedback.
Spectacular! The photographs are beautiful and sad at the same time – so much emotion. Bravo!
Amazing shots! I can’t really say anything other than what everyone else already has, except I can only hope to capture something half as amazing as that here in Jackson Hole.
What an amazing example of the ‘circle of life!’
This is certainly not what I learned from watching Disney…col…thanks for sharing…amazing photography – Minnesota friend of Calvin’s.
so you actually sat and watched this and figured that your pictures of this attack were more important than trying to save the calf. Now I would have applauded you if you dropped your camera and tried to save the calf instead of photographing the kill.
shirley — I can understand you wanting someone to save the calf, but in reality….they were in a park where you are not allowed to interfere with the wildlife…..and 2 men against 5 wolves and a very angry cow moose. Not likely.
Shirley,
The predator/prey relationship in the wild is often disturbing, and I’m glad I’m not its author. I confess I felt an urge to try to free the moose from its predators, but all animals seek survival, including wolves who need to feed their growing little pups. Additionally, professional photographers are required to sign a code of ethics prior to entering the park which states the prohibition of doing anything that alters an animals behavior. This applies to all visitors, but due to special access, photographers need to sign off on it.
I don’t fault you at all Patrick that is your choice… if I was there and had the proper firearm and shooting skills I would have harvested all the wolves I could…. as long as it was legal… about 10 Years ago we were in Alaska in the Copper Center Area … you know what the wolf limit was for non-residents?… 15 per day … I kid you not… of course if you even saw one a day that would be something…that was because there were too many predators for the Moose. The natives told us that not so long ago their ancestors would go to where the wolves had dens and kill the pups to keep the population in check because it was so hard to get them as adults. I really love wolves and I certainly don’t want them all killed but they really need to be managed better. The survival rates for Moose calf’s is 15% in some places in Alaska between the Bears and the wolves getting them. If you live in Alaska and are okay with hunting and care about the Moose population go harvest some wolves….you may not be able to eat them but you could sell the hides and give the money to your local food shelf and well your at it lobby for Denali Park to engage in predator control. I think your pictures are great Patrick even thought they are painful and they are a good wake up call for people who care about the Moose population and again I thank you for them! So I hope Shirley if you feel so strongly about protecting Moose calves you will consider my thoughts regarding this..I can agree to disagree with out hard feelings too:^}
Incredible shots. I imagine that it would be hard to watch this and take pictures at the same time.
Judith – Predator control is big subject and there are surely blogs out there devoted to it. Moose in Denali Park receive heavy predation by wolves and bears-the latter by a much greater percentage. It is my understanding that the wolf population in Denali Park has declined recently, in part as a result of trapping permitted at the park boundary borders. I’ve grown to be an advocate of appreciating the natural world and its mysterious and amazing phenomenon, of which, natural predation is certainly one of them. Many travel to Denali Park, and Alaska at large, with hopes of seeing a wolf or bear, and fortunately there are places where the likelihood of this is high.
Really awesome photo set, Patrick!
Good for Denali …they did something because when we were there about they told us the calf survival rate was 15%. I like to see all of nature too…and it should be there whether or not I am able to see it. I’m glad they have managed the place better then 10 years ago! I am not into blogs … just wanted support Patrick and respond to a comment… free country right?
Wow, it’s amazing how out of touch with reality some people are about wildlife. It is very rare that any animals die of old age, and the majority die a brutal death, I’m sure these six wolves were on the hunt shortly after eating a small calf.
You did an exceptional job of photographing this scene Patrick. If you do decide to take on a wolf pack please let me know and I to will applaud,….after I get my shots.
Daryl,
When I take on a pack of wolves, you will be the next call after 911. But don’t wait by the phone.
And thanks to the rest of you for taking a moment to absorb and appreciate the intensity of this photographic experience.
I was photographing yesterday afternoon and a family from India stopped to take photos next to me. They were headed to Denali so I told them about your great photos of the wolf/moose encounter. The one son got all excited and told me he had already seen the photos online! They were so impressed that I actually knew you.
P.S. If you do decide to try rescue a moose calf from a wolf pack, please let me know ahead of time so I can take out some life insurance on you.
Calvin,
Its a small world indeed. Alaska! Its just too cool of a place to have such experiences as these. The pictures, well, it is pretty much a 99% just be there factor, then about .5% shutter action, and when the adrenaline subsided enough, about .5% composition. I was looking at some of the other frames from the scene today and realized that I should have zoomed back out a bit more. There was a lot going on in an extreme lateral sense. Actually, it would have been perfect for Calvin and his Fuji 6×17 panorama! Do they still sell film for that thing?
Patrick, I couldn’t wait to get home to see these photos – they are amazing! Wow, what an experience that must have been, although probably mixed with emotion. These are unbelievable – you really captured an amazing event in the natural world, and captured it well!
I missed this by hours – Janine and I headed out that way at 4:00 a.m. the next morning not knowing what had happened. I did see the moose and wolf tracks in the mud along the road, and later some of the wolves with the head of the moose at the pond – they appeared to haul it back to the den.
It wasn’t until I got back to camp that I heard the story. A large family was on board the bus – the girl says she was the first one to spot the moose. They told me Alaska Photographics was there and photographed the whole thing – you must have a sign on your vehicle. You were getting a lot of great word of mouth advertising.
The family said this was a moving experience – the one male adult admitted to crying. I later heard a second hand report from the bus driver who says a couple people actually threw up.
Anyway, congratulations Patrick!
Last night as we were heading out of the Park we saw another Cow with two calves bedded down less then a half mile from this pond – not a good neighborhood to be a moose!
Ron,
I read on your blog that you were headed into the park, and I was hoping you might catch some wolf action, as things had been pretty active in the road corridor. Hugh had two hours with the Grant Creek pack the night before I arrived! No kill, just lounging wolves in sunshine. That’s funny about someone remember my website. A person on the back of the one bus that was there yelled out the window–what is your website, and Hugh yelled mine back (no sign on the car, i like to fly under the radar a bit more than that 🙂 We waited out about three hours in the rain on some sleeping bears and I was getting road boredom pretty bad (if you can relate) but I’m so glad we stayed those extra few hours before leaving the park, since it made for that once in a lifetime serendipitous timing that I doubt will ever happen again. I’ll check your blog to see how your trip was–btw, can you believe how green it was in early June!
Hi Patrick,
I was shocked at how green it was – looked more like June 15th or 20th!
Your timing was great – but that is also a result of a lot of work and many long hours.
Patrick – your work as an artist of photography is captivating. I can understand the sentiments of Shirley who wrote previously but also recognize 1) the absolute necessity to not interfere with any natural habitat or habitat maintained as natural by humans, and 2) though I would be unable to photograph such amazing and vivid scenes (for the reasons that Shirley mentioned), particularly ones that seem cruel but are necessary, I appreciate your art and what is required from the artist in order to bring to us the realities of nature in the raw. Amazing work. Thank you. (Must admit, I did cry)
Leslie,
I appreciate your comments. In many ways our overly urbanized lives have removed us from the everyday realities of survival that happen in the natural world, whether we ever witness it or not. Birth and death, rarely witnessed in nature, are part of that great circle. Seeing something like this, either in person or in pictures, contributes to our awareness that living costs all creatures. Our respect for them grows when this permeates that urban veneer.
Patrick! Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos. Poor moose, but lucky wolves. That is one less moose to stomp my team on the trails.
Amanda
Patrick — super images, just outstanding. I’m surprised anyone has given you any heat about shooting what is a natural phenomenon — but the cuteness factor moves some people I guess. Congratulations!
Thanks Phil,
There are fewer things cuter than those very young moose calves, but nature at its basic level, does not acknowledge that factor.
What an awesome opportunity to witness nature at work. While it is sad to see what happens to the calf, it is indeed the circle of life, as cliche’ as it sounds. It is naive to think of all nature as “touchy-feely” if you will, and thank you for portraying reality as it is in nature. It is an education we all appreciate. Thanks for sharing with us. Great shots!
Patrick,
I’m quite envious of you. Wish I were there. Haven’t done the park road shuffle for many years, but over the decades when I did I was never so fortunate to see, and to photograph such a natural spectacle. Excellent job! Good for you!
Jim McCann
Michael and Jim, Thanks for sharing your comments.
Great work Patrick!
Especially image #4 is outstanding.
Thanks Ole, looks like you have been very very busy since I met you years ago in Fairbanks. Great to see your career advance.
Wow, amazing photography. Witnessed a bear take a moose calf years ago out at Lake Clark. Not pretty, but that is nature.
Mike, how close were you to that encounter? Did you get any photographs? I’ve not spent much time in Lake Clark, but hope to in the near future.
Fricking wolves!!!!! My hard earned taxpaying dollars wasted away protecting those worthless things.
Cool pictures though.
I hate wolves
certainly don’t hate wolves… dont’ think they are worthless… but they are certainly ove populated… and over protected… unless one is a darwinist
Scott,
Your comment leaves me both stunned and speechless.
Patrick, I wouldn’t worry about those nutjobs…
Fantastic series from what must have been a amazing natural moment. Ignore the wolf haters.
Thanks Neil
Hey Patrick, amazing images mate. I have had moments in Africa where I wasn’t sure whether I should be taking photos as the experience I was watching was either so intimate or violent. Good on you for getting the images and for not interfering!
Richard,
Anthropomorphism has many preferences that it places on the natural animal kingdom. Watching it unfold can be quite a sight indeed. Thanks for sharing your comment.
You are a braindead piece of shit. Just by making noise and letting the wolves know that you were there, you could have saved that baby moose. People like you are a disgrace to the human race, all for some “awesome”, more like putrid photos.
Hey Patrick
Well, I don’t know about “brain dead” .. but you’re not as dead as that baby moose is. 🙂
Cheers
Carl
Those who think that this is a beautiful set of pictures are more worthless than the wolves that were killing the calf…. Whats wrong with killing the fricking wolves and letting the baby moose live… Can’t believe the photographer wasn’t using a Vari-X III on top of a 270 short mag… Circle of life is ones head up their butt.
This was very disturbing. I know that in the wilderness it is a war of survival of the strongest. But this was a picture of bullying and the photographer aided in the bullying. I don’t mind the wolves hunting their prey but to allow the grown up wolves to kill the baby in cold blood? How can anyone allow that. It is like standing back to photograph a pack of bullies beating on a little kid. No difference. The moose are not aggressive animals as long as you do not threaten them. They are beautiful animals and I am so disdained on how hunters can shoot such a beautiful animal or any animal at that. The photographer should have done something to help save the baby moose. Don’t like this one bit.
Dear Patrick- I think you should have saved the cow & calf… then captured the wolves & trained them to find the proper amino acids & such needed for their survival. You should have risked your life to do so as your it’s value is equal to the wolves. Please stop photographing wildlife as it really is… it is ruining the Disney movies for me!
I concur
Hey Patrick , Thank you for your unique pictures… it’s really amazing. I like nature and wildlife very much.
Your welcome Sam
you even had your children watching, and youy seemed to enjoy it. i hope in one of your photo ventures, some wolves eat you alive, and I will be thrilled to come and take pictures.
Predation has been around since the beginning of time. It provides nature with crucial checks and balances within the natural world. Every time humans tinker with this natural order, bad results occur. As hard as it is to watch, one must understand that every species have evolved to survive and this is exactly what the wolves were doing as well as keeping moose and deer populations in check. Yes, it’s raw, but it is as it was meant to be.
Patrick
Put yourself in the position of the cafe having the wolves eating you. i would give you the same treatment. i would film it and not raise my hand to help you ! heartless baster !
These are some great pictures. Once in a life time photo shoot.
What a sad ending for the little guy.
I’ve seen these pictures a hundred times, and I just want to say again how much of a piece of shit you and others like you are when you say pictures like these are beautiful… From my side of the fence, I see you all as a bunch of freaks…
Dear Don,
I think you have a serius problem, not we who thinks this foto is great!
Thats life and the photographer jobs and dream to hold the moment and not to disturbe the Mother Natur!
Read you text, too? Do you think is fine to use such “bad words” for a human being as you have done? What do you think you are?
I wish you a further easy life in your glass bubble defending you, but please try to grow up, and let us in peace!
Patrick: the Images are great! Im also sorry for the moos baby, but the images are fantastic!
This is a life & death struggle that had gone on far Longer than any of us have been here X a 1000. Why is it that the wolves have ZERO right to survive? What is truly sad is that the alpha female of this pack died in a snare trap 6 months later in what once was a Buffer Zone between Denali park and hunting territory. Since her death(she was pregnant) is that the Grant creek pack broke up & there hasn’t been any new births since as another alpha female from another Denali pack also died from the snares set. The Grant creek pack was the most visible wolf pack in North America and because of ONE evil trapper’s selfishness (Coke Wallace) all the thousand’s of tourists who have come to Denali to see the wolves have been disappointed. I stand with the wolf’s Right to life & to hunt as they have for countless millennia .
Patrick , was this taking place near Mile 50 of Denali Park rd., or near 40 mile ?