| Usually the wolf is a grizzled -grey but colors varies from white to black. The ears are erect and the tail is bushy with the tip darker or black. The male is larger than the female and average weight is 55-130 pounds. The wolf prefers open tundra and forests. Although they once inhabited most of North America they now after reintroduction can be found in most of the northern states including Colorado. Human fear, superstition and outright hatred of this animal decreased its population drastically and eradicated it from 50% of its former range. The wolf is a very social animal who mates for life and lives in packs of 2-15. The strongest male is usually the pack leader. All the members of the pack cares for the young which helps unite the pack. An average of 7 pups are born to each female in April-June. Usually hunting at night they feed primarily on large mammals by chasing down their victims either slashing the tendons or driving it back to waiting pack members. Even though they kill only to survive studies show that wolves play a key role in drastically decreasing the numbers of ungulates some times beyond the rate of replacement in any given area. Its only important predator is man. |
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