Did
you know that the Grey Wolf is almost the biggest species of wolves in the
U.S.?
In the 1960’s the Canis lupus [Grey Wolf] was almost gone from the U. S. . The Grey Wolf population has become very scarce in the last 10-20 years. In the late 1990’s only 80 wolves lived in each area. The exact population was 8,160 and now the population is 5,000!
This creature is an enormous predator. It weighs between 55-176 lbs. The male is usually larger than the female. From the ground to its shoulder this mammal is 26-32 inches and from its nose to its tip of its long bushy tail, it is 4-6 feet. Can you believe it? By 7-8 months this vertebrate is fully grown! These animals range in color from light gray or darkened black to pure white. The razor sharp teeth of the Grey Wolf make it a feared animal. The Grey Wolf has rough fur and its yellow brown eyes are in the front of its head in order for it to catch its prey. These animals’ ears are large and pointy. It has long legs and large paws. The maximum lifespan of a Grey Wolf is about 17 years.
I just love its suspicious behavior. The Grey Wolf will sacrifice itself for its pups. They are also very social. This carnivore hunts prey such as elk, deer, moose, and caribou. Smaller prey like beaver and rabbits can also be a meal. When food is scarce they feast on rodents. Strangely its behavior can be calm while just laying around and aggressive when hunting its prey or when it is threatened. This interesting wolf travels in packs of 4-7 animals. They also demonstrate deep affection for their pups.
This innocent creature has only one state where it is safe, Alaska. In all the other states like Montana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, the Grey Wolf is endangered. This particular dog like creature usually does not make its own shelter, unless there are no dens available. It moves into another wolves or other animals den when it is vacant. Lakes and streams provide their water. This animal usually likes a cold climate, like Alaska.
The Grey wolf is sadly endangered in Montana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The main reason the Grey Wolf is endangered is because people have been killing this species for food and have taken away their habitat. Believe it or not the Grey Wolf has more reasons to be afraid of us than we are to be afraid of them. Since they are on the endangered list of the United States FWS [Fish and Wildlife Service] people are trying to protect them by not hunting it and by saving their habitat.
Now that you know that this precious species of wolves are endangered and you are aware of the importance of their habitat to their survival, I believe that all of us together should be able to keep this specie from becoming extinct.