Wolf

I

Introduction

Wolf, a large carnivore related to the jackal and domestic dog. Wolves are known for their keen intelligence, skilled hunting, and highly organized social structure.

There are two species and one subspecies of wolves. The gray wolf is native to the Northern Hemisphere. Gray wolves that live in the treeless plains of the Arctic are called Arctic wolves, and those found in wooded, subarctic regions are known as timber wolves or eastern timber wolves. The Mexican gray wolf, a subspecies of the gray wolf, is native to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. The red wolf is native to the southeastern United States.

II

Physical Characteristics of the Wolf

Wolves have strong jaws, powerful legs, and bushy tails. Certain features of the skull distinguish them from domestic dogs, some breeds of which they otherwise resemble. The shaggy coat of most gray wolves is smoky gray, but it may have a brownish or reddish tinge. The chest and abdomen are usually white, with black patches on the backs and sides. Some gray wolf populations are pure black or pure white. An adult gray wolf stands about 90 cm (about 3 ft) high at the shoulder, measures 120 cm (4 ft) in length excluding the tail, and weighs 31 to 54 kg (68 to 120 lb). Females are smaller than males, and southern gray wolves are smaller than those in the north.

III

Habitat and Hunting

The wolf was originally among the world’s most widely distributed mammals. Historically it ranged from Canada to Mexico in North America, throughout most countries in Europe, and in northern Russia, parts of the Middle East, China, India, and Nepal. Highly adaptable animals, wolves are at home in a diverse range of habitats, from prairies and Arctic tundra to forests, lowlands, and all but the highest mountains. They also thrive in a variety of climates and may settle in areas inhabited by people. Choice of location is mainly directed by the availability of prey. Wolf packs establish and defend territory that can range in size from 26 to 2,590 sq km (10 to 1,000 sq mi), depending on the species.

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Gray wolves will travel long distances in pursuit of prey, sometimes as far as 48 km (30 mi) in one day. The gray wolf can travel at up to 56 km (35 mi) per hour but is comfortable trotting at 8 km (5 mi) per hour. Particularly during the winter, large packs of up to 24 members will form to hunt deer, caribou, moose, and other large herbivores. Members of these packs cooperate to drive and ambush prey. They will usually select the weak, old, or very young animals for easier capture. Hunts can begin in the early evening and continue until morning.

Wolves also prey on rabbits, rodents, and birds. A wolf may consume up to 8 kg (18 lb) of meat at one time. When no live prey can be found, they will feed on carrion (decaying flesh of dead animals), berries, and invertebrates. There are few if any documented cases of a healthy wild wolf attacking a human without provocation.

IV

Social Structure and Behavior of Wolves

Most wolves live in packs. Parents, their young, and nonbreeding adults make up a basic pack, which generally consists of eight or fewer members. Within each pack, one hierarchy exists for females and another for males. The pack leader is called the alpha male, and his mate is the alpha female. These two animals occupy the dominant rank in their respective hierarchies and are usually the oldest members of the pack. The alpha maintains its status by winning fights, and changes to lower-ranking positions are infrequent. Young pups remain somewhat outside the social hierarchies until they reach maturity.

Wolves communicate with visual signals, scent, and sound. They also exhibit behavioral patterns that show dominance over or submission to one another. Body language makes it clear which animal has higher rank. Tail position and bared teeth convey various moods and attitudes, including submission, fear, and a readiness to attack. Scent signals are also used in communication. A pack establishes and defends its territory by marking it with urine and feces. Communal howling is an important social activity and may serve to assemble pack members, communicate with other packs, maintain territorial claims, or express pleasure. It is also used as a hunting cry, frequently sounded at dusk in preparation for the chase.

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