Black wolf

Black Wolf is a term often used to describe a color variant of the gray wolf (Canis lupus). Black wolves were once considered rare, but have increased in number in recent years due to the spread of the black fur gene.

Characteristics

Black wolves are not a separate species. They are simply gray wolves that happen to be black. Their coloration is a result of a genetic mutation that affects the pigmentation of the wolf's fur. This mutation is known as the K locus. Wolves with this mutation produce a black pigment called eumelanin instead of the usual gray or brown pigment, pheomelanin.

Distribution

Black wolves are found in various parts of the world, including North America and Europe. In North America, they are more common in forested areas than in the tundra. In Europe, black wolves are rare, but have been sighted in Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Behavior

The behavior of black wolves is no different from that of other wolves. They are social animals, living in packs of up to 12 individuals. The pack is usually made up of a breeding pair and their offspring of various years.

Diet

Black wolves, like all wolves, are carnivores. Their diet mainly consists of large ungulates, such as deer, elk, and moose. They are also known to eat smaller mammals, birds, fish, and even insects.

Conservation

Black wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act in some areas of the United States. In Canada, they are protected under the Species at Risk Act. Despite these protections, black wolves face many threats, including habitat loss, hunting, and disease.

See also

• Wolf
• Gray wolf
• Endangered Species Act
• Species at Risk Act