Grey Timber Wolf

Grey Timber Wolf
by Louis Frisino
12" by 10"
Framed Size 22" by 20"

Found in the northern hemisphere except tropical forests and arid deserts. Once roamed most of the Northern hemisphere, now found only in Canada, northern US, Eastern Europe, and wilder areas of Western Europe and Asia

The gray wolf is a carnivore, both predator and scavenger. Prey is located by chance or scent. Wolves primarily hunt in packs for large prey such as moose, elk, bison, musk oxen, and reindeer. Once these large ungulates are taken down, the wolves attack their rump, flank, and shoulder areas. Wolves control prey populations by hunting the weak, old, and immature. A wolf can consume up to 9 kg of meat at one meal. Wolves usually utilize the entire carcass, including some hair and bones. Smaller prey such as beavers, rabbits, and other small mammals are usually hunted by lone wolves, and they are a substantial part of their diet. Wolves may also eat livestock and garbage when it is available.

The Alpha male and female are usually the only pair in the pack to breed; they actively inhibit sexual behavior in other members. Breeding takes place January through April. Estrus is 5-15 days, gestation 60-63 days. On average, 5-9 pups are born blind in a den. They are weaned in 5 to 8 weeks. Pack members contribute to feeding of the young by regurgitating their food for the pups.

Wolves are among the most social of carnivores. Because they live in packs, wolves are able to hunt larger prey than themselves. The pack is made up of a family, including the alpha pair and their offspring of one or more years. Packs usually consist of 5-9 wolves, the largest pack recorded containing 36 members. Pack size is usually determined by prey availability and size, and the number of wolves that can exist within a pack without causing conflicts among members. A ranking system of dominance is maintained in the pack. It is based on aggressive interactions among members of the pack. Rank of an individual is demonstrated by its posture and degree of submissiveness. Rank determines who can eat first and who can mate. Communication is important among wolves within and among packs. Vocalizations such as howling are used for gathering the pack together before a hunt and for territorial announcements to other packs. Wolf movements are usually at night and cover long distances. Daily distance traveled can be up to 200 km, the usual pace at 8 km/hr. The running gait can be up to 55-70 km/hr.

Northern boreal and coniferous forests, as well as open brushy areas. Found in mountains and high elevations. Likes bog country in midwest. Not found in tropical forests or in arid deserts.

The wolf's pelt and other products are very valuable. The image of a wolf sells because wolves symbolize our disappearing, endangered wilderness. Posters, books, calendars, and t-shirts are hot items on the market. Adopt-a-wolf programs also exist. Wolf ecotourism is a major source of revenue for parks and reserves. The negative image of wolves also brings in money. Horror films involving wolves or werewolves are popular entertainment.

IUCN lists gray wolf as vulnerable. In lower United States is listed as endangered, except in Minnesota. Extinct in eastern US. Reintroduction and conservation efforts exist in many areas of the US and Europe. After near extinction, Greenland's wolves have repopulated themselves. Last wolves were exterminated in British Isles in 1700's. By the 20th century, wolves disappeared from most of western Europe and Japan. Remnants of wolf populations exist in Poland, Scandinavia, Russia, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

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