Gray Wolf

The gray wolf (Canis lupus ) is among the most variable and widely distributed mammals on the planet. They rank second only to Homo sapiens in having the greatest natural range. In North America there are 24 subspecies of Canis lupus.

The gray wolf can be anywhere from light gray to black in color. They are remarkable predators and scavengers, and will hunt in packs or singly. Hunting in packs allows wolves to prey on animals much larger than themselves such as moose, elk, bison, musk oxen and deer. They help control prey populations because they often target the old, weak or immature. Lone wolves are known to prey on rabbits, beavers and other small mammals.

A pack usually consists of an alpha male and female, along with their offspring of one or more years and usually numbers 5-9 wolves. The largest wolf pack was reported to have 36 members. Pack size is usually determined by prey availability and size. A dominance hierarchy controls social rank among members and determines who eats first and who mates. Dominance ranking is demonstrated by posture and submissiveness.

Mating only occurs between the alpha male and female of a pack. Breeding occurs between January and April, with 5-9 pups being born on average. All members are responsible for the care of pups and help by regurgitating food for them. Wolves communicate via howling, posturing and scent marking and are the most social of all carnivores. Their movements are usually at night, and many may travel long distances.

Historically, the wolf's range was widespread. Their preferred habitat appears to be correlated with the abundance of prey rather than a certain vegetation type. As humans progressed west, wolves were eradicated because they were thought of as pests. Natural populations of wolves remained in Canada, and some of these wolves dispersed to northern Minnesota and northwest Montana. Natural populations of wolves now exist in northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Michigan, and northwest Montana. Humans have also reintroduced wolves in central Idaho, and Wyoming (Yellowstone National Park).

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Predator Status [PCA Letter to the Editor of Jackson Hole Guide November 11, 2002]

Keeping the Wild in the West
[A Multi-Species Carnivore Conservation Inititative, PCA Report, August 2002]

Multi-species Carnivore Conservation Initiative
[Seven maps which illustrate forest carnivore observations and occupation on public lands in the West, August 2002]

Montana Prepares to Take Over Wolf Management [March 6, 2002]

Groups Protest Lowering Wolf Recovery Goals [PCA Press Release, February 28, 2000]

FWS Proposing Lowered Wolf Targets To Speed Up Delisting [PCA Article, 2000]

Federal Wolf Proposal Premature [PCA Press Release, July 11, 2000]

Wolf Control Problems Only Escalating [PCA Article, Fall 2000]

Wolf Information Clearinghouse

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