Biologists in Yellowstone Wolf Project use radio collars to monitor some wolves for scientific research. Each collared wolf is assigned a unique ID number followed by 'F' for female or 'M' for male.
06 (832F): The alpha female and matriarch of the Lamar Canyon pack.
755M: 06's mate and alpha male of the Lamar Canyon pack.
754M: 755’s brother and beta male of the Lamar Canyon pack.
926F: 06’s daughter, who continued her mother's legacy.
Fearless, brilliant, and unforgettable—her story continues to inspire the world.
Born in 2006 into Yellowstone’s Agate Creek pack, the wolf known as 06, or “Oh-Six,” was a legend in the making. Nicknamed after her birth year, 06 was larger than the average female wolf and strikingly beautiful. She turned down countless suitors before choosing two black-coated brothers as her mates. Together, they established a territory in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, where her ancestors from the famed Druid Peak pack once roamed.
In April 2010, 06 welcomed her first litter of four pups, marking the birth of the Lamar Canyon pack. As the backbone of the family, 06 led with strength and skill, while 755M served as her alpha male and his brother, 754M, as the beta. Both males, two years younger and less experienced, relied heavily on 06's expertise and leadership.
Wolves need to eat to survive, but hunting is no simple task for an animal armed only with its mouth. Success in taking down elk is rare—wolves manage it just 5-15% of the time—and the risks are enormous, as a single kick or antler jab can be deadly. Against these odds, 06 was extraordinary. Time after time, she single-handedly brought down elk, a remarkable achievement that usually requires the coordination of an entire pack. She remains one of Yellowstone National Park’s most legendary hunters.
This video, filmed by John Dillard in September 2012, shows 06 playing with her yearling pups in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley. Just two months later, she was tragically killed.
Over her lifetime, 06 gave birth to three litters, raising a total of 13 pups. Incredibly, every single one survived their critical first year—a rare feat in the wild, where up to 60% of wolf pups don’t make it. But 06 was more than just a leader; she was also a teacher. With patience and care, she passed on vital survival skills to her offspring and even her mates, ensuring they could thrive in the challenging wilderness.
In May 2012, 06 faced one of the most harrowing challenges of her life. While caring for her newborn pups, the Lamar Canyon pack’s territory was invaded by sixteen members of the Mollie’s pack. Acting on instinct, 06 bolted from the den, deliberately drawing the rival pack’s attention away from her vulnerable pups. The Mollie’s pack gave chase. As 06 ran towards a cliff, observers watched, fearing the worst. But 06’s intelligence was as remarkable as her bravery. She vanished into a hidden gully, leaving her pursuers confused and unable to follow her trail. Frustrated, the Mollie’s pack eventually retreated. 06 saved her pups, once again demonstrating her extraordinary courage and unwavering commitment to her family.
On September 30, 2012, everything changed for Yellowstone’s wolves. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service removed gray wolves in Wyoming from the Endangered Species Act, ending their federal protections. The state legislature quickly established a trophy hunting season, placing Wyoming’s wolves—including any Yellowstone wolves that roamed beyond the park's boundaries—in grave danger.
On Nov. 11, 2012, 754M, the gentle and beloved beta male of the Lamar Canyon pack, was shot and killed by a hunter in Wyoming. Known for his playful and nurturing nature, 754M’s death was a devastating blow to the pack. Observers in Yellowstone watched helplessly as the family searched for him, with 06 howling mournfully into the wilderness, her calls met only with silence. Refusing to give up, 06 led her family back into Wyoming, determined to find her missing mate.
The Lamar Canyon pack had no way of knowing that another hunter was waiting. Lured by the distress calls of a dying rabbit, 06 and 755M unknowingly walked into his trap. He raised his rifle, aimed, and fired. The crack of the gunshot echoed through the air as 06 collapsed, her strength fading. Her pack gathered around her, their anguished howls echoing through the wilderness.
The death of 06 sent shockwaves around the globe, with The New York Times even publishing her obituary. Renowned photographer Jimmy Jones honored her as "The most famous wolf in the world."
To the hunter, she was nothing more than a trophy.
Without their leader, the mighty Lamar Canyon pack splintered with just two daughters remaining in Lamar Valley to carry on the pack's legacy. If that wasn't enough, tragedy struck again six years later when 06's daughter, 926F, was killed by another hunter, less than a mile outside the park boundary.
Today, 06’s story inspires millions to fight for wolves wherever they roam. She stands as a powerful symbol in the effort to end trophy hunting. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who know her story.
The 06 Legacy is grateful to award-winning, internationally published wildlife and nature photographer Jimmy Jones for celebrating 06 through his incredible images of her. Jimmy has additional one-of-a-kind images of 06 and her Lamar Canyon pack on his website, as well as a blog dedicated to her memory. We are privileged to feature Jimmy's outstanding work throughout this website! You can also follow Jimmy on Facebook.
McIntyre celebrates the legacy of our namesake 06, the most famous wolf in the world. 06 was revered around the world for her beauty, intelligence, strength and hunting prowess. You too will be captivated by 06 after reading her story, (Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone, Book 4). 2022
The compelling story of our namesake 06, the charismatic alpha female beloved by wolf watchers from around the world. Blakeslee also tells the larger story of the cultural clash within this country. 2017
Koda the golden retriever moves to Wyoming with his owner and learns all about wolves. 2020 (ages 7-12)
The author, a nature writer and NPR contributor combines science and storytelling to the 300-year history of wild wolves in America. One chapter is devoted to the story of 06. The book critically acclaimed internationally, was also selected as Forbes Magazine Conservation Book of the Year. 2017
Wolves have no voice in this fight, but YOU do! Let’s stand up for them before it’s too late.
The 06 Legacy is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting America's gray wolves.
