Description: The Gray or Timber wolf is the largest member of the dog family. They can weigh up to 120lbs and stand up to three feet at the shoulder.

Habitat: Until very recently, wolves had the largest range of any animal except humans. Now they have been hunted almost to extinction. They are limited to places where there aren’t many people.

Diet: Wolves eat different kinds of deer and other smaller animals. They are the top of the food chain in most areas where they live. That means they can eat pretty much anything they want!

Reproduction: Breeding occurs between the months of January and April. Female wolves choose their mates and often form a life-long pair bond. After mating occurs, the female digs a den in which to raise her young. The gestation period lasts between 60 and 63 days, litter size ranges from one to fourteen, with the average size being six or seven pups. Pups remain in the den until they are 8 to 10 weeks old. Females stay with their pups almost exclusively for the first 3 weeks. Pups are cared for by all members of the pack. Until they are 45 days old the pups are fed regurgitated food by all pack members. They are fed meat provided by pack members after that age.

Female pups reach maturity at two years of age, while males will not reach full maturity until three years of age. Most young wolves will leave the pack between one and three years of age. Gray wolves may live thirteen years in the wild, though average lifespan is 5 to 6 years.

Trivia:

Wolves are very social animals. They talk to each other with a combination of barks and sounds and body language.