Missing dog Luna rescued after more than a month in Yellowstone National Park
A sign is posted near the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park on May 19, 2026 in Gardiner, Montana. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Luna, a 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier who disappeared from a cabin in Yellowstone National Park more than a month ago, was caught in a live trap Wednesday and reunited with her California owners.
The backstory:
The dog escaped Sept. 10 after housekeeping apparently opened the family’s cabin door. She was later spotted crossing roads, wandering through employee housing and entering lodges.
Bison chases child at Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park visitors had a close encounter with a bison, leading to a heart-stopping moment as the wild animal began chasing after a child. (Credit: Brittany Peteler via Storyful)
Dig deeper:
Volunteer rescuer Katie Boucher baited the trap with scraps from the family’s T-shirt and pillowcase. Luna was taken to a veterinarian, who found her underweight but alert and in good spirits.
Boucher said Luna survived in the park despite its grizzly bears, wolves and other predators. The search intensified as winter approached and colder weather threatened to end the rescue effort.
Volunteers urged visitors not to chase the dog, saying attempts to catch her caused her to run deeper into the park.
The Source: The Associated Press contributed to this report. The information came from volunteer rescuer Katie Boucher, who led the search for Luna and spoke about the dog’s condition and rescue. This story was reported from Los Angeles.