
Photo: Ramesh Shenai · CC-BY
Canis lupus
Diet
Large ungulates, rabbits, other small mammals, livestock, and carrion
Habitat
Tundra, taiga, forest, grassland, mountains, scrub, and arid landscapes
Range
Eurasia and North America
Litter size
1–14 pups, commonly 6–7
Gestation period
60–63 days
Size
87–130 cm total body length; tail 35–52 cm
Weight
23–80 kg
The grey wolf is the largest wild canid, although its size varies geographically and northern populations are generally larger than southern ones. Males measure about 100–130 cm in total body length and females 87–117 cm, with tails measuring 35–52 cm. The broad muzzle, relatively short ears, large feet, and heavy build distinguish it from smaller canids. Its dense insulating coat may be white, gray, brown, cinnamon, black, or a mixture of these colors. (Animal Diversity Web)
Grey wolves inhabit an exceptionally broad range of environments, including tundra, taiga, temperate forest, prairie, mountains, scrub, and arid country across Eurasia and North America. They usually live in territorial family packs and cooperate when hunting large ungulates, while lone wolves often capture rabbits and other small mammals. Carrion is also consumed. Breeding generally occurs from January to April; after a gestation of 60–63 days, females give birth in dens and the whole pack helps feed the pups. (Animal Diversity Web)