Apex predator appears in mist like a ‘ghost’. See ‘quintessential Yellowstone moment’
An iconic apex predator appeared through thick fog like an apparition and cautiously watched a photographer in Yellowstone National Park, stunning video shows.
Bo Welden, the wildlife guide who captured the footage, said encountering the “ghost wolf” was “the most quintessential Yellowstone moment” he had ever experienced. He shared the video on his Instagram Monday, Feb. 10.
“A black wolf walking on a geothermal boardwalk while steam from a near by hot spring shrouds the rest of the pack behind,” he wrote in the post’s caption. “I could not believe what I was seeing!”
Part of what made the encounter so unbelievable for Welden was the location. He has led guests over that very boardwalk during wildlife tours, he said in a comment.
“It was truly amazing to see these iconic animals moving on boardwalks that I’ve taken many guests over the years,” he said.
It was his “first Yellowstone winter interior sighting of wolves,” and his group had been riding snowmobiles for a few days before they encountered the pack, so “it felt different to be in the open air vs. a coach or car,” Welden told someone in the comments.
His group was alone with the wolves for about 15 minutes before anyone else showed up, he said in another comment.
“I was shocked we were able to have that kind of experience,” he said, adding that he felt “super lucky” to have had such a special encounter.
“This entire sighting was hands down the best wolf sighting I’ve ever had,” he said in the video’s caption. “Could be the best of my life! I will always hold this memory in my mind when I walk this boardwalk in the summer months.”
Several people commented on the video, saying it was “epic,” “mystical,” and that “no words seem right” to describe the “breathtaking” moment.
Welden agreed.
“It was nuts,” he said in a comment. “I still look through the footage over and over.”
“It was like they were saying welcome to the pack,” someone said. “Majestic moment!”
In several of his replies, Welden said the “dream moment” was indeed “unreal” to experience.
“I can’t get over it myself,” he said. “Most likely never will.”
This story was originally published February 12, 2025 at 3:52 PM with the headline "Apex predator appears in mist like a ‘ghost’. See ‘quintessential Yellowstone moment’."
