Elk NetworkFamily Survives Scary, Up-Close Encounter with Wolf

General | June 24, 2020

A family on vacation from Missouri stopped to each lunch at a picnic area in Yellowstone National Park when a wolf jumped a log and came to within five feet of them.

“It was frightening, that’s for sure,” Ashley VanZant told the Billings Gazette.

Ashley, protecting her three children ages 10, 5 and 1, threw sticks at the wolf, striking it in the head and side. Her husband, Michael, drew a pistol from his holster and also waved a large branch at the animal, creating enough space for the rest of the family to get into their car.

At that point, the wolf turned and ran away. Rangers since increased patrols in the immediate Otter Creek area.

(Photo source: Michael VanZant)