You wolves are mammals of the family Canidae, being the wild representative of the family that also includes the fox and the dog.
There are three species of wolves: the gray wolf (kennels lupus), the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) and the red wolf (kennels rufus), in addition to many subspecies. Only by kennels lupus there are 31 subspecies.
Wolf Characteristics
Wolves tend to be larger in the coldest regions of the planet, and they decrease in places with milder temperatures.
The animals found in Europe reach up to 38.5 kg, while those in North America up to 35 kg, the smallest are those that inhabit India and reach up to 25 kg. Females are always smaller.
The hair that covers the body plays an important role, ensuring its thermal insulation and survival in colder environments.
The color of the coat can vary a lot, ranging from shades of gray, white, red, brown and even black. It is noteworthy that the color helps in camouflage.
reproduction
The females come into heat once a year, and reproduction usually takes place between the months of January and April. Gestation lasts up to 65 days, giving rise to 4 to 7 cubs.
Puppies receive all the attention and care of the mother, until they can accompany their parents in the search for food, at which time they also occupy a position in the group.
habits
Wolves live in groups, the packs, led by an alpha male, which has greater strength and hunting power compared to other members of the group.
The alpha male couples with the alpha female, responsible for the females in the pack. They form a monogamous couple who live together for life and lead the group.
When an alpha male dies, group leadership passes to the beta male, second in the pack's organizational hierarchy.
In general, wolves are intelligent, fast and strategists when hunting, being recognized as excellent predators.
They are also territorial animals and compete for the power of space with rival groups. It is common to delimit the boundaries between groups with feces and urine.
food
Wolves' teeth can crunch the bones of their prey, plus they have a keen sense of smell and great night vision.
the wolves are carnivorous animals, therefore, prefer to inhabit places where hunting is possible. they are at the top of food chain within the ecosystems they are part of.
Its main prey in nature are wild boar and deer. However, wolves can also feed on man-made animals such as sheep, goats, chickens and cattle. This is common when wolves invade farms or other breeding areas.
Curiosities
- The arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos) is threatened with extinction.
- For long years wolves were heavily hunted, as they are believed to kill humans. In the United States there was even a reward for killing wolves.
- The domestic dog has the gray wolf as its ancestor.
- Howls are used as a means of communication between wolves.
