Wolves
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
Pre-Introduction
Wolves, in this case we're talking Canis Lupus, also known as the Grey Wolf, the Timber Wolf and the Arctic Wolf. Undoubtedly other entries will cover other species in due time.
Introduction
Canis Lupus, Timber Wolf; intelligent, social, maligned, endangered. For years reviled and hunted almost to extinction. Even in these so called enlightened days efforts at conservation are hampered. Sometimes by those with a valid gripe, such as farmers, but most often by those who refuse to learn about the Wolf. Billed as the fearsome maneater, the wiley predator who shows no mercy, the wolf has had centuries of bad press with very little justification.
Even if we ignore 'historical commentary', the wolf has fared badly in literature. It is often cast in the metaphorical slot of the 'adversary'; The three little pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, even many of Aesop's Fables (For example The Wolf and the Lamb).
Dry Facts
Length | Up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) including tail |
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Height | 84 to 96.5 cm (33 to 38 inches) at the shoulder |
Average weight | 34 to 56kg (75 to 125 pounds) |
M/F difference | Males can be up to 25% larger than females |
Colour (color) | Many shades of gray. May also range from white to black with many combinations in between, including cream, tan, buff, sandy brown and reddish. |
Size of Pack | Varies between less than seven to twenty (due partly to availability of prey) |
Mating | Around January or February (depending on latitude) |
Gestation | 63 days |
Litter Size | 3 to 10 pups |
Diet | Moose, deer, elk, caribou, bison, beaver, rabbits and mice. |
Speed | Up to 35 miles an hour for short distances. 5 miles an hour indefinitely |
The Pack
Wolves are highly social animals who typically live in packs of 5 to 10 wolves, usually related, and function as a highly co-operative family unit.
The Heirarchy
In every pack there is a leader, most usually male, known as the Alpha Male (or in the case of the lead female, the Alpha Female). The Alpha and his/her mate comprise the Alpha pair. The Alpha leads the hunt and makes the important decisions concerning the welfare of the entire pack. Just below the Alpha is the Beta wolf (the second ranking male) and below that the subordinates (wolves of both sexes). At the bottom of the heirarcy is the Omega wolf. This wolf, either male or female, is the scapegoat and bears the brunt of the pack's frustrations and harrassment. It will usually be the last to feed and in times when food is scarce may go without entirely.
From the wolf comes the strength of the pack. |
The pack relies on pack stability and co-operation to bring down large game. However when larger game is scarce, larger packs may break down into smaller groups to hunt smaller prey.
The Hunt
Wolves hunting techniques show great intelligence and skill. The leader appears to assign various pack members to start the chase, then brings in other pack members to 'relieve' the initial group so they can rest briefly. In this way all of the members of the hunt are available for the kill and not exhausted by the time the prey is.
Mating
Alpha pairs, once formed, usually stay together for life. Only the Alpha pair have the privelege of mating and breeding when the females come into season at the end of each Winter. During this time the Alpha pair actively court each other, nuzzling and grooming each other, showing great affection. This courtship can go on for a few weeks during which time lower ranking wolves take advantage of the 'distraction' of the Alphas to compete for a new place in the heirarchy. It can be a time of high tension in the pack. Often the Alpha pair will seek privacy away from the pack.
Communication
Wolves communicate in a variety of ways; vocally and with body language.
We listened for a voice crying in the wilderness. |
Vocally
Body Language
Wolves have very expressive faces and communicate through subtle gestures of the mouth, ears and eyes. As well, the position of the tail, even the bearing of the entire body, can communicate volumes.
It is easy to spot the alpha wolf because he carries his tail in a relaxed curve, holds his head up and walks with a bold stance. Subordinate wolves show their submission by lowering their heads and tails.