Gray Wolf Facts

Gray wolf, scientifically known as Canis lupus, is an ice age survivor, that originated about 300,000 years ago. Although, it was the most widely distributed mammal in the early years, there has been a rapid decrease in the gray wolf population and it is considered one of Europe's endangered species. However, gray wolves, also known as timber wolves, are making a comeback in the Great Lakes, Northern Rockies and Southwestern United States.

Fascinating Facts about the Gray Wolf

• The height of gray wolf ranges between 0.6 to 0.9 meters and an adult gray wolf weighs between 32 and 68 kilograms.
• The length of gray wolf varies from 4.5 feet to 6.5 feet, as measured from the nose to the tip of its tail.
• A female gray wolf weighs about 20% less than a male and is shorter in height too.
• The gray wolf habitat is around Asia, Europe and North America, however, it is also found in Russia and Canada.
• The gray wolf prefers cold conditions and hence found in the colder continents like Europe.
• The average life span of gray wolf is about 7 to 8 years, however, some wolves may live for 10 years or more.
• There are 5 different species of gray wolves found in North America, the Mexican wolves being the most endangered.
• Gray wolves have coats that range in color from grizzled gray or black to complete white. They have a yellowish white fur covering the legs and the belly.
• They have bulky coats made up of two layers. The first layer of the coat consists of tough guard hair while the second layer is dense and water resistant, acting as an insulator for the wolf.
• Gray wolves mainly live in dens that are in bushy green lands, which make their coloration blend with the surrounding thus making them difficult to be spotted. However, some gray wolves live in snowy areas.
• Gray wolves are carnivores and often prey on animals larger than them, including, deer, elk, caribou, moose, and some smaller animals like beavers, hares, sheep etc. They are opportunistic feeders and may also feed on livestock, carrion and even garbage.
• Gray wolves are often found in packs and lone wolves that are occasionally seen are typically old ones driven from the pack or young adults searching for a new territory.
• Packs usually contain 8 members, though there are some packs ranging from 2 to 20 in size.
• The pack consists of a breeding pair and several subordinate wolves which are mostly the offspring of the breeding pair.
• The gestation period is about 60 to 63 days and pups arrive mainly in the months from March to June.
• Excessive hunting of the gray wolves and destruction of their natural habitats, has made the gray wolf an endangered species.
• Gray wolf is known by different names like Tundra wolf, Plains wolf, Arctic wolf, Timber wolf and Mexican wolf, but they are all one and the same.
• The gray wolf is the ancestor of domestic dogs and resembles German shepherds and malamutes.
• Although they are known as gray wolves, some of them are of different colors like white, black, brown and cinnamon.
• They are gregarious and are often seen in packs that have a highly developed social order.
• The packs are led by the alpha pair, which is the breeding pair of the pack. Other members included in the pack are the alpha pair's offspring and some unrelated wolves.
• Gray wolves communicate with each other by means of howling, body language and through scent.
• Howling is mainly used to assemble the packs and to assert territorial boundaries.
• Scent marking is another means used for claiming territory or fresh kills. The breeding pair generally urine marks the objects by a raised-leg stance while all the other members of the pack squat.
• Scent glands are present all over the wolf's body, including the toes, base of the tail, eyes, genitalia and skin.
• The saliva of the gray wolf has antibacterial properties and helps to heal wounds.
• Gray wolves are known for their speed while chasing and can reach a speed of about 40mph during a chase, however, they rely on their stamina rather than the speed while hunting.

The WWF is making efforts to have hunting restrictions to prevent the rapid decrease in the population of these gray wolves.