Gray Wolf: Canis Lupus

Gray Wolf: Canis lupus

As the ancestor of the domestic dog, the gray wolf highly resembles many varieties of dogs today, including German shepherds. The gray wolf, also known as the timber wolf, is the largest species of the canine family that are still wild. Gray wolves generally have gray fur coats with tones of "black and light brown fur covering their head and upper body, and yellowish white fur on the legs and belly" (4). Originally, gray wolves had the largest speciation of the mammals, excluding humans. They used to span mainly "in the Northern hemisphere, from the Arctic towards South America and Southern Asia" (3). Wolves were once common in North America but were wiped out in most areas of the United States because of habitat destruction, pollution, environmental changes, and hunting (2). Other mortality factors that are currently affecting gray wolves include being killed by other wolves, diseases, parasites, starvation, and injuries by prey. Most wolves probably live less than 10 years in the wild. Currently, the gray wolf is "found only in the United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and Eurasia" (3).

Unlike the misconception of the phrase, the lone wolf, the gray wolf is generally a highly social creature. A gray wolf's pack size varies, but usually composes of five to nine members. Packs can compose of twenty or more members; however, these packs often eventually split up into smaller groups due to leadership or mating conflicts. Due to the conflict, "some wolves leave their packs to become lone wolves. Loners may start their own packs if a mate and a vacant area can be found" (6). Packs have very complex social structures; there is a strong dominance hierarchy with a pack leader within each pack. "The pack leader, the alpha male, is dominant over all other individuals. The next dominant individual is the alpha female, who is subordinate only to the alpha male" (3). They lead in tracking and hunting prey, choose den sites, and establish the territory. When the alpha male is unable to maintain his authority, the beta male will take his place as alpha. Once this happens, alpha males usually leave the pack if this occurs. Rank determines who mates with whom and who eat first. It is demonstrated by postural indications "and facial expressions, such as crouching, chin touching, and rolling over to show the stomach" (1). Hierarchal ranks are not permanent and contests for gaining higher ranks are most extreme during the months of the breeding period. In the division of labor of a pack, the females are primarily involved in pup care and defense, while the males mainly engage in hunting and searching for a new home or territory. Within packs, wolves grow strong social ties and repeatedly show profound affection for their families. They may even sacrifice themselves to protect