The mother elk again escapes to the safety of the river. Instead of heading back toward where the calf is hidden, the wolves cross the river and travel East. The Lamar Valley is full of vulnerable, newborn calves, and many do not have such capable and courageous mothers. Their chances are better elsewhere.

This is an unusual pairing of wolves. The male is from the Slough Creek Pack, while the female is from the Druids. They have mated, and born pups, but neither is welcome in the other's pack.