Grey wolf; the short version.

Canis Lupus

Height 26-38 inches at the shoulder. Length 4.5-6.5 feet from the nose to the tip of the tail. Adult males weigh 85 to 145lbs. Females are five to ten pounds lighter rarely weighing more than 110 pounds. Their fur ranges from black to nearly white, with every shade of gray and brown between these extremes. Gray and black are the most common. Fur consists of two layers. The first layer is made up of guard hairs which repel dirt and water. The undercoat is very thick, water-resistant and keeps the wolf insulated. The undercoat is shed in late spring and early summer. The under coat is gray regardless of the outer coats color.

Breeding occurs in February and March. Gestation last for about 63 days. Two to ten pups can be born per litter. Pups weigh 1lb at birth. They are born blind, deaf and completely dependant. Pups are born with have darker fur and blue eyes. The eyes change to a yellow or gold color between 8 and 16 weeks old. Pups are usually born in a den and the packs life revolves around the den. Wolves have been known to go 20 miles away from the den in search of food to bring back. When the adult returns with food, the pups get excited, rush over and lick the adults mouth. The adult regurgitates the meat and the pup eats it. Pups are weaned in mid to late summer and start moving away from the den. By winter they are capable of hunting and traveling with pack members.

Wolves are extremely intelligent and social animals, living in packs. Pack size varies depending on habitat and availability of prey. There is a strong dominance hierarchy within each pack. The alpha male and female are dominant over all other individuals. The alpha female, is subordinate only to the alpha male. If the alpha male becomes unable to maintain his dominance, the beta male will take his place. Alpha males leave the pack if this occurs, but have been know to stay. Rank within the pack determines who gets to mate and who eats first. Rank is communicated using body language such as crouching, chin touching, and rolling over to show their stomach aka the alpha roll. The alpha male does not force a lower ranking wolf to roll over. The submissive wolf will roll over on its own. Vocalizations, such as howling, growling and barking allow pack members to communicate with each other about where they are, where prey is, and to communicate with other packs about where the boundaries of their territories are. Scent marking is also used to communicate boundaries with other packs. Wolvesare docile and have a strong aversion to fighting.

Wolves are carnivorous. Their diet consists of moose, caribou, musk oxen, and bison. They will also prey upon small mammals when the needed. Wolves often use the entire carcass including hair and bones. Wolves have been known to eat salmon and various types of berries. Contrary to what certain people would like the public to believe, wolves keep prey populations healthy, by preying on older, weak or sick members of a heard.

Humans are the wolf’s main predator. Most humans have an irrational fear and hatred towards the wolf. Humans have determined where wolves live and what prey is available. Wolves are naturally shy and will avoid confrontation.

There are those who claim to love wolves and want to have one as a pet. They go out & purchase a wolf-dog hybrid or attempt to get a pure wolf. They have a wonderful time with their new pup until it starts acting like a wolf. Most don’t take the time to learn about wolves or have the space to keep one. The poor animals is kept outside on a chain, dumped along the side of the road, or if the hybrid is lucky dropped off at a rescue center. Not everyone who owns a wolf-dog hybrid is irresponsible. Some people actually take the time to study wolf behavior & learn as much as possible before making the decision to add a hybrid to their family.

Resources:

Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, and conservation ~ By David L. Mech and Luigi Boitani

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game

http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/furbear/wolf.php

Wolf Song Of Alaska

http://www.wolfsongalaska.org/

Video found on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8C8AVWLhwI