Wolf

Wolf is a large canine native to Eurasia and North America. More than thirty subspecies of Canis lupus have been recognized, and gray wolves, as colloquially understood, comprise non-domestic/feral subspecies. The wolf is the largest extant member of Canidae, males averaging 40 kg (88 lb) and females 37 kg (82 lb).

Description

Wolves are large carnivores — the largest member of the dog, or Canid, family. Wolves are common to all parts of the Northern Hemisphere. They are usually shy and cautious around humans, but unlike foxes, they never fully acclimate to human presence.

Behavior

Wolves live and hunt in packs of around six to ten animals. They are known to roam large distances, perhaps 12 miles in a single day. These social animals cooperate on their preferred prey — large animals such as deer, elk, and moose.

Reproduction

When it comes to breeding, wolves will go to great lengths to find a mate. The female will choose the location of the den, and both parents will raise the pups until they are fully grown.

Conservation

Wolves are not as numerous as they were hundreds of years ago. According to Defenders of Wildlife, scientists consider the wolf a keystone species.

See also

• Dog
• Canidae
• Carnivore
• Deer
• Elk
• Moose

Wolf Resources
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