Marshall Yellow Overview
Marshall Yellow is a Yellowstone wolf first collared in 2019 by the Yellowstone Wolf Project as a member of the Junction Butte Pack. This male wolf has been monitored through GPS data and field observations, contributing to ongoing research on wolf dispersal, pack dynamics, and survival in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Reliable information on Marshall Yellow comes from National Park Service reports, peer-reviewed studies, and project updates shared with the public.
Identification and Tracking
Collar Data and Monitoring
Marshall Yellow received a GPS radio collar in late 2019, enabling researchers to track movements, denning behavior, and pack associations. Each collared wolf in Yellowstone is assigned a unique identifier used in annual reports and management documents. Collar data informs estimates of home range size, survival rates, and causes of mortality when documented.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Marshall Yellow | Project ID / Field Notes |
| Pack (2019) | Junction Butte Pack | Yellowstone Wolf Project |
| Collar Deployed | Late 2019 | GPS Data Reports |
| Sex | Male | Genetic/Observational |
| Primary Function | Movement and Survival Monitoring | Research Objectives |
Pack Context: Junction Butte Pack
The Junction Butte Pack formed from the amalgamation of several smaller groups in the northern range of Yellowstone. Packs in this region frequently shift due to territorial changes, dispersal, and natural turnover. Marshall Yellow’s presence with Junction Butte provided researchers insights into how males integrate into established groups and contribute to pack stability or turnover.
Typical Pack Metrics (Representative)
- Average Pack Size: 8–12 individuals (varies annually)
- Home Range: 200–400 square miles (varies by prey density)
- Primary Prey: Elk and deer, with occasional bison scavenging
- Denning: Often in remote, north-facing slopes with low human activity
Behavior and Ecological Role
As a breeding-age male, Marshall Yellow likely played a role in territory defense, mate guarding, and cooperative hunting when targeting large ungulates. Wolf predation in Yellowstone helps regulate elk populations and influences grazing patterns, which in turn affects vegetation recovery and other wildlife. This trophic cascade remains a central focus of Yellowstone research.
Survival and Dispersal Notes
- Dispersal: Young males often travel long distances to find unoccupied territories or join other packs.
- Mortality Sources: Primary causes include intra-specific conflict, vehicle collisions, and lawful harvest outside park boundaries.
- Longevity: Wild wolves typically survive 4–6 years; some individuals reach 8+ years under favorable conditions.
Research, Reports, and Data Sources
The Yellowstone Wolf Project publishes annual summaries that include pack maps, pup production, and mortality data. Marshall Yellow is listed in these documents while collared; his eventual removal from records (due to collar loss or mortality) is noted with date and, when available, cause. Researchers rely on radio telemetry and GPS fixes, cross-referenced with ground observations, to validate pack identities.
Data Reliability Framework
Because wolf movements can extend beyond park borders, information on Marshall Yellow is considered accurate within monitoring limitations. Collar transmission failures, incomplete signal recovery, and interpretive changes in pack boundaries are documented uncertainties. The Yellowstone Wolf Project and partner institutions transparently communicate these limitations in technical reports.
Current Status and Public Updates
As of the most recent available reports, Marshall Yellow remains listed within Junction Butte Pack datasets. When wolves are lost from monitoring, the project outlines possible scenarios (collar malfunction, dispersal, death) and notes any supporting evidence. Public updates balance scientific detail with accessibility to help visitors and stakeholders understand Yellowstone’s dynamic wolf populations.
Key Takeaways
- Marshall Yellow is a collared male wolf monitored as part of Junction Butte Pack in Yellowstone.
- GPS and field data support research on dispersal, pack integration, and survival.
- Accurate status information depends on ongoing monitoring and transparent reporting from wolf researchers.
- Wolf presence influences ecosystem processes, making long-term tracking essential for management and science.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Marshall Yellow notable? He contributes to collared wolf research that informs broader understanding of Yellowstone wolf ecology.
- How is his status determined? Through GPS fixes, visual observations, and pack affiliation records maintained by the Yellowstone Wolf Project.
- Can the public track him live? Real-time public tracking is not provided; updates are shared via official Yellowstone wolf reports and summaries.
- Does Marshall Yellow have known offspring? Offspring details are documented in annual pup survival and pack reproduction reports when observed and confirmed.
- Are sightings reliable? Verified sightings come from researchers and trained observers; anecdotal reports may lack confirmation.