North american gray wolf
From Trail-Finder -- Dedicated to getting you outside
Contents |
Overview
The North American gray wolf is probably the wild animal most respected in the North American wilderness. The subject of myths and legends from ancient Native American/First Nation peoples, those myths haven't really diminished, although the number of wolves in the wild has.
Identification
The North American gray wolf has much in common with its more domesticated relatives, the dog. The closest relatives are malamutes and huskies, although they are definitely different creatures. They also have some similarities to coyotes, although the look is very different, with wolves being much larger and bulkier.
Ranging from around 70 pounds to 100 pounds, with males a bit larger than females, adult wolves grow to around four feet long, not counting the tail.
Wolf prints are several inches long, with one shown prominently in the logo for this site.
Habitat
Originally, the North American gray wolf roamed nearly all forests throughout North America, except for the southwestern US and Mexico, where the Mexican red wolf was prevalent. Today, however, due to human habitat destruction and hunting, their range has been severely limited. Today's habitat is limited to the northern Great Lakes, Rockey Mountain, and Pacific Northwest regions, as well as northern Canadian forests.
Dangers
Like most wild animals, the North American gray wolf will do almost anything to avoid humans. If cornered, a wolf can easily defend itself, but it's far more likely to run off, if given the chance. Like most wild animals, if you don't attack, corner it, or any member of its pack, you have very little to fear from wild wolves.
