General Information

The wolf is the largest wild dog. It has a strong, well-muscled body and is powerful enough to move and flip a frozen moose carcass. Wolves are capable of running at speeds of 56–64 km (34–38 miles) per hour in bursts of 10 to 20 minutes and can leap as far as 15 feet in a single bound. Their strong legs are capable of jogging indefinitely and wolves often travel great distances following herds. Their jaws and teeth are incredibly tough, capable of creating enough pressure to break through bones. Their muzzles are long and well developed and their ears are pricked up (not 'floppy' like many domestic dogs).

Wolves are covered with thick, dense fur with an under layer of furs (called guard hairs) which helps to protect the wolf against harsh weather and freezing temperatures. These guard hairs generally shed in the spring and grow back in in the autumn. Male and female wolves look very similar, though males are generally larger (on average, 10 pounds heavier). Adult wolves are generally 41–63 inches in length and 32–34 inches at the shoulder. The tail is two-thirds the length of the head and body! Wolf weight tends to vary; on average, European wolves weigh around 38.5 kilograms or 85 pounds. Wolf pelts can range from snowy white to almost black. Wolves generally live up to 9 years in the wild.

Wolves primarily feed on medium to large sized ungulates (hooved animals; sometimes 10–15 times larger than themselves), though they are not fussy eaters. Medium and small sized animals preyed on by wolves include marmots, hares, badgers, foxes, polecats, ground squirrels, mice, hamsters, voles and other rodents, as well as insects. They frequently eat waterfowl (particularly during their moulting period and winter, when their greasy and fatty meat helps wolves build up their fat reserves) and their eggs. When such foods are insufficient, they will prey on lizards, snakes, frogs, rarely toads and large insects. In times of scarcity, wolves will readily eat carrion, visiting cattle burial grounds and slaughter houses.