With warmer temperatures upon us and even a few rainy days, winter seems to be winding down here in Yellowstone country—or at least for the time being! Fortunately, the current thaw isn’t putting a damper on some incredible experiences in the field for our Yellowstone Forever Institute program participants.

This week’s Winter in Wonderland participants spent a fantastic week learning all about Yellowstone’s wolves. The highlight of the program included the unique opportunity to witness National Park Service employees collaring two members of the Wapiti Lake wolf pack, setting the perfect scene for their instructor to discuss the fascinating history of the Yellowstone wolf restoration. To top it off, the group heard wolves howling in the mist all around them while taking a tour of Fountain Paint Pots.

Another Winter in Wonderland group last week took an unexpected cross-country ski adventure after inclement weather cancelled their trip to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The group skied around Biscuit Basin and witnessed many bison taking advantage of the warmth provided by the basin’s thermal features.

Elk, bison, mule deer, and bighorn sheep continue to be spotted in the lower elevations of the Northern Range, especially at the park’s North Entrance near Gardiner, Montana. As the snow begins to melt and more nutrient-rich vegetation returns, these ungulates will begin moving back into the higher elevations of Yellowstone’s interior.

From the footprints of wildlife on the move to fluctuating temperatures, one thing remains certain—the only constant in Yellowstone this time of year is change!