Canis lupus

Grey wolves are highly social animals that live in packs, typically consisting of a dominant breeding pair and their offspring. They are skilled hunters and prey on a variety of large ungulates such as deer, moose, and elk. Wolves communicate through vocalizations, body language, and scent marking, using howls to communicate over long distances.

Breeding occurs once a year, usually in late winter or early spring. After a gestation period of around 60 to 63 days, females give birth to a litter of pups in a den. Both parents participate in raising the pups, providing them with food and protection until they are old enough to accompany the pack on hunts.

Grey wolves have a thick, fur-covered body, with a bushy tail, erect ears, and a long muzzle. They have keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing, which help them locate prey and communicate with other pack members. Wolves are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, tundra, and grasslands.

Grey wolves have a long and complex history of coexistence with humans. They have been both revered and persecuted, with conflicts arising over predation on livestock and competition for resources. In many cultures, wolves are symbols of strength, loyalty, and wilderness.

Grey wolves are classified as species of least concern overall, although some subspecies are endangered or threatened. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wolf populations, restoring their habitats, and managing conflicts with humans and livestock. Despite these efforts, wolves continue to face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and persecution.