Species · GBIF taxon 5219173
Gray Wolf
Canis lupusAlso known as Timber Wolf, Western Wolf, Tundra Wolf, Common Wolf
Gray wolves are highly social apex predators that live in tightly knit family packs led by a dominant breeding pair. They communicate through a complex system of expressive body language, scent marking, and haunting group howls that coordinate pack movements and defend territory. By selectively hunting weak or old ungulates, these keystone carnivores help maintain the health of entire ecosystems, preventing overgrazing and allowing riparian vegetation to recover.
Apex PredatorPack HunterVocal
Licensed referenceUser:Mas3cf / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Elk
- Moose
- White-tailed Deer
Predators
- Humans
- Other Wolf Packs
- Siberian Tigers
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, human persecution, vehicle collisions, and diseases like canine distemper and parvovirus.
HabitatsForests, tundra, taiga, grasslands, shrublands, and mountainous regions across North America and Eurasia.
Life span6 to 8 years in the wild, up to 15 years in captivity.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- SpeciesCanis lupus
Native
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Large carnivores capable of defensive attacks; maintain a distance of at least one hundred meters and never feed them.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with powerful jaws and a pack hunting instinct, they can pose a physical threat if habituated, cornered, or defending pups.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a large canine with rounded ears, a broad snout, and a long, bushy tail held straight out or down.
- What to do
- Never approach or run from a wolf; stand tall, make loud noises, and slowly back away while maintaining eye contact.
Responsible observation
- Use Binoculars: Observe wolves from safe distances using spotting scopes or binoculars to avoid disrupting their natural behavior.
- Secure Food: Keep campsites clean and store food in bear-proof containers to prevent wolves from becoming habituated to humans.
- Keep Dogs Leashed: Keep domestic dogs on a leash in wolf country, as wolves view loose dogs as territorial intruders.
Descendant 
Close Relative Yathin S Krishnappa / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative "11276F, Red Wolf Healthcare and Education Center" by Red Wolf Recovery Program is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová · cc-by
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