Wolves are carnivorous mammals very similar to dogs, belonging to the genus Canis. However, other similar animals, such as jackals and coyotes, also belong to this same group, and the taxonomic classification between them is in continuous debate.
In this article on our site we tell you what types of wolves there are, where wolves live, and other curiosities about this animal group.
Types of wolves
Canids are characterized by having an elongated snout, long and voluminous fur and non-retractable claws (unlike felines). In addition, they walk on their four toes (without supporting the heel) and have a vestigial fifth toe on their front legs that is located higher than the others.
Wolves are the largest species within the Canis group, and live in packs led by an alpha pair, consisting of a male and a female that reproduce.
Wolf Species
Six species of wolf are recognised:
- Canis lupus: gray wolf
- Canis rufus: red wolf
- Canis anthus: African golden wolf
- Canis indica: Indian wolf
- Canis himalayensis: Himalayan wolf
- Canis lycaon: Canadian red wolf
However, there are debates about the classification of some of these species, since some consider them to be hybrids (results of reproduction between two different species) or subspecies of the gray wolf. A subspecies is a group of individuals of the same species that share a specific distribution, habitat, history, morphology, or behavior. In total, there are 19 subspecies of the gray wolf One of them is Canis lupus familiaris, the domestic dog.
For more information, you can consult this other article on our site about Types of wolves and their characteristics.
What do wolves eat?
Wolves are carnivores that live and hunt in packs. They use only their jaws to capture, hold and kill their prey. Because their skulls are relatively weak (compared to other carnivores), they need to take multiple bites at their prey during a prolonged chase. This means that they greatly benefit from teamwork (while some hold their prey, others hurt it). It has been found that the larger the pack size, the larger the prey they hunt.
They usually prey on large mammals, such as deer, moose, seals, bison, and oxen, but can also prey on goats and beavers. They generally eat all of the prey, except for the larger bones and some of the hide.
If you want to expand your knowledge on the subject, here you will find more information about Feeding the Wolf.
Wolf Habitat
All species of wolves are distributed in the northern hemisphere. However, with so much diversity within this group, to specifically answer the question "where do wolves live?" we must specify what kind of wolf we want to refer to. In this article, we tell you about the habitat of the most popular wolves.
Where does the gray wolf live?
The gray wolf was once distributed throughout North America and Eurasia, occupying all habitats (plains, deserts, tundras, taigas, and forests) except high mountains. Currently, there are populations in North America, Europe and Asia However, this species has undergone a major extermination by humans, who also make use of the habitats where the wolves live, and has been displacing them to the wooded and remote areas.
Where does the Iberian wolf live?
The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) is one of the subspecies of the gray wolf. This subspecies is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula (it only exists in Spain and Portugal). In Spain, it is distributed in the north of the country (Galicia, Cantabria, Asturias, Castilla y León), and two isolated foci have been found in the south of the country (in Sierra de San Pedro and Sierra Morena). It is estimated that its total population is made up of 2,000 individuals.
Where does the white wolf live?
The white wolf (Canis lupus arctos) is another subspecies of the gray wolf. It is characterized by having completely white fur and by its resistance to lower temperatures. It is distributed throughout North America and reaches the arctic regions of Canada and northern Greenland
Where does the red wolf live?
The red wolf (Canis rufus) is classified as a critically endangered species by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of nature). It only inhabits North Carolina (United States) and the only remaining population was reintroduced by the USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service), because in 1980 this species became extinct in the wild.
Can you have a pet wolf?
Dogs are subspecies of the Canis lupus species, so technically you can. Now, speaking of all the rest of the subspecies and species of wolves, things change quite a bit.
At the individual level, taking an animal out of its natural habitat or preventing it from developing its natural behaviors (reproduction, sociability with individuals of the same species, hunting, etc.) usually causes stress, which which can even lead to self-mutilation.
But there are also problems at the species level. It is important to be aware of the conflictive situations with which the acquisition of a wild animal is associated, such as the market and trafficking, which have an impact on the reduction of populations and alteration of ecosystems.
In many cases, this activity is causing significant declines in the wild populations of the species. Even if you find an animal and think it needs your help, it is important to remember that you can contact an organization that takes care of these situations, taking into account account the possibility of later reintroducing the animal in its natural habitat (in Spain: Seprona). Most wolf species are in decline and one of the reasons is hunting by humans, often to breed with domestic dogs.
Also, depending on the country and the species, in many cases it is forbidden to keep a wolf as a petIn Spain, for example, the Iberian wolf is included in the List of Wild Species under a Special Protection Regime, for which its holding in captivity is prohibited.
For more information, you can consult this other article on our site about Is it possible to have a wolf as a pet?
