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Carnivore
Wolves
The misunderstood pack animal.
About Wolves
Wolves are among the most studied and misunderstood animals on Earth. Far from the aggressive dominators of myth, wild wolves are devoted family members, skilled communicators, and one of the most ecologically important predators on the planet.
Fun Facts
- →Wolves can hear sounds up to 10 miles away in open terrain.
- →A wolf's howl can be heard up to 10 miles away.
- →Wolves mate for life and are devoted parents.
- →The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone in 1995 triggered a trophic cascade that changed the course of rivers.
- →Wolves communicate through howls, body language, scent marking, and facial expressions.
Related Articles
Quick Facts
- Scientific name
- Canis lupus
- Lifespan
- 6–8 years (wild), up to 16 (captivity)
- Weight
- 23–80 kg depending on subspecies
- Range
- North America, Europe, Asia
- Pack size
- Typically 5–10 individuals (family unit)
- DNA shared with dogs
- 99.9%