This past weekend was spent in the northern range of Yellowstone looking for wolves, among other wildlife. After getting up well before sunrise to get to the Lamar Valley, I came up empty. I just happened to see a few spotters along the road on the way out, and turned around to see what was there. Just a minute after talking to another photographer, a couple of coyotes came up to feed on a bison that had fallen through ice a couple of days ago.
We were up on a hill, not even 50 yards from the feeding animals. Throughout the day, several more coyotes came to share. The scavengers came and went as onlookers were spooking them. A couple of bald eagles also shared the area, feeding on a second carcass that was older.
Keep scrolling to see the photos of bison and coyotes moving through the Blacktail Pond area.
This reddish coyote stood out perfectly against the bluish ice.
I watched up to three coyotes at a time share in the feast.
This coyote decided to take a meal to go.
This bison spent time apparently “mourning” the loss of a fellow friend.
The bison herd wanted to cross here, but were hesitant after sensing another bison dead in the water.
After some grazing, the lead bison led the herd to a short crossing over the harder ice.
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