Her legacy lives on

06 inspires us to fight tirelessly to ensure that no other wolf suffers the same fate.

A legend is born

Born in 2006 into Yellowstone's Agate Creek pack, 06 (Oh-Six) was nicknamed after her birth year. Strikingly beautiful and larger than the average female wolf, 06 was a sight to behold. While many suitors vied for her attention, 06 was selective, ultimately choosing two black-coated brothers as her mates.

The Lamar Canyon pack

Together, the trio established their territory in Lamar Valley, the former home range of her illustrious Druid Peak pack ancestors. The following spring, 06 produced her first litter of four pups, officially founding the Lamar Canyon pack. 755M took on the alpha male role, while his brother, 754M , became the beta male. Being two years younger than 06, the brothers were less experienced in survival skills, leaving 06 to take on the primary responsibility of providing for the pack.

Courageous provider

Hunting is essential for wolves to survive, but it’s no easy task. Research shows that wolves are successful in hunting elk only 5-15% of the time. Despite these odds, 06 was a standout—a true rockstar huntress. She displayed remarkable courage, bravery, and athleticism, repeatedly astonishing observers by single-handedly taking down elk.

This was no small feat. Elk are powerful animals, and hunting them is usually a team effort among pack members due to the significant risks involved. A single antler stab or a well-aimed kick from a hoof could easily injure or kill a wolf. Yet, 06’s exceptional skill and determination set her apart, earning her the title of Yellowstone National Park’s best hunter.

A mother's triumph

06 was an exceptional mother, defying the odds with all 13 of her pups surviving their first year. Achieving a 100% survival rate is an extraordinary feat, especially considering that up to 60% of pups born in the wild do not make it through their first year. Nurturing yet firm, 06 led by example, teaching her offspring and even her mates how to thrive in the wild.

Outsmarting the Mollies

In May 2012, sixteen members of the Mollie's pack invaded the Lamar Canyon territory while 06 was denning with her newborn pups. Sensing the danger, 06 quickly bolted from the den, diverting the Mollies' attention and daring them to chase her. The rival pack took the bait, focusing on her instead of the vulnerable pups. As she approached a cliff, observers feared she was trapped. But 06, showcasing her remarkable intelligence, escaped down a hidden gully, leaving the Mollies confused and unable to find her. This daring and selfless act not only saved her pups but further solidified 06's legacy as a fearless and intelligent leader, willing to risk everything to protect her family.

Yellowstone's Rockstar

Known to regular park observers as the alpha female who "did it all," 06's achievements made her a legend in Yellowstone, and soon, she and her Lamar Canyon pack had captured hearts of people around the world.

The end of federal protections

On Sept. 30, 2012, the outlook for wolves in Wyoming changed drastically when the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service delisted wolves from the Endangered Species Act. The umbrella of federal protection was gone and replaced with the establishment of state-sanctioned wolf trophy hunting. This instantly endangered not only the wolf packs inhabiting Wyoming but also the Yellowstone wolves accustomed to moving freely in and out of the park.

Loss of the "Gentle Giant"

As winter descended upon Yellowstone, resident elk herds migrated outside the park in search of vegetation. The thirteen-strong Lamar Canyon pack followed their food source across the park boundary into Wyoming, unaware of the danger that awaited them. On Nov. 11, 2012, a hunter shot and killed 754M and took him into town to show off the big wolf. With that bullet, the family lost a mate, brother, and uncle—a "Gentle Giant" known for the way he patiently doted on all the pups.

06s tragic end

When 754M disappeared, the Lamar Canyon Pack had no way of knowing what had happened to him. Hoping to reunite with their missing pack member, they returned to Yellowstone to search for him. Observers watched as 06 howled mournfully for her lost mate, her calls met with only silence. Refusing to give up, 06 led her family back into Wyoming, determined to find him.

On December 6, 2012, she and 755M followed the distress calls of a dying cottontail rabbit, unaware they were being lured into a trap. A trophy hunter lay in wait, and as they approached, a deafening gunshot shattered the stillness.

Struck down, 06 collapsed to the ground, pain coursing through her body. In her final moments, she tried to rise, driven by an instinct to protect her family. But her strength was fading, and she could only watch as her pack gathered around her, their anguished howls filling the air. Even in death, she remained their fearless leader, her loss a devastating blow to the wild and the countless people who admired her.

The hunter gutted 06 and preserved her pelt, reducing the world-famous wolf to nothing more than a trophy. His trophy wolf cost him next to nothing for a license; yet 06 and her family paid a devastating toll. 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.

Legends are forever

A force of nature, a global superstar, and a living legend, 06 is now forever immortalized as a champion for all wolves in the fight against trophy hunting. Her powerful story continues to inspire people worldwide to protect these majestic animals, wherever they may roam.

Jimmy Jones Photography

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.

JImmy Jones photography