Pup that escaped into Yellowstone wilderness for over a month found after frantic search

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Luna, a 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier who vanished in Yellowstone National Park, has been found alive after more than a month alone in the wilderness, ending a desperate search against freezing temperatures and dangerous predators.

The California family‘s beloved pet was finally located on Wednesday, October 14, after rescuers raced against an approaching winter shutdown to bring her to safety.

“The dog that was loose in the Canyon Village area has been captured and is alive and well,” Yellowstone National Park spokesperson Linda Veress confirmed.

Further details about the operation and the dog’s condition are still unknown.

The discovery marks the end of a race against time for the team at Norris Ark Training and Recovery Center, the nonprofit animal rescue leading the search, who had been working to capture Luna before seasonal closures restricted access to the area.

The team’s special permit from the National Park Service was due to expire on October 31, with equipment required to be removed by that date. 

Roads and campgrounds were also due to close for the winter, adding urgency to the operation.

Luna went missing on September 10 while her California family was visiting Yellowstone National Park.

It is understood that the family left the terrier inside a cabin at Canyon Village Campground while visiting Norris Geyser, where dogs are not permitted. They had placed a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door.

However, housekeeping staff reportedly opened the cabin door, allowing Luna to escape. Staff chased the dog for more than two hours, but their efforts caused her to flee from the campground and into the surrounding wilderness.

Park visitors and employees reported multiple sightings, raising hopes that the dog could be recovered, in the days after Luna disappeared,

But after a week of searching, the family returned to California after being told by rangers that Luna’s chances of survival were poor, given the freezing temperatures and the presence of coyotes.

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The family subsequently contacted Norris Ark Training and Recovery Center President Katie Boucher, whose team continued the search.

As the weeks passed, the search became increasingly urgent, with Luna facing the dangers of surviving alone in one of America’s most famous wilderness areas.

The search was complicated by restrictions on the methods rescuers could use inside the national park.

Food could not be used to lure Luna into a humane trap because it risked attracting bears, wolves, coyotes and mountain lions to the area, potentially exposing the missing dog to even greater danger.

Instead, the team used the scent of Luna’s family in its trapping efforts.

Drones are also prohibited inside Yellowstone National Park, ruling out another potential tool for locating the terrier.

Following her recovery, it is understood that Luna was taken to a veterinarian by Ms Boucher.

Further details regarding her condition and the circumstances surrounding her capture had yet to be released.