Shannon 2021

GREY WOLF

This research paper features the Grey Wolf within its natural environment. Its scientific name is Canis Lupus. Its adult height is 1-1.6m and males weigh 30-80kg, females weigh 23-55kg. They live 8-13 years in the wild.

They are the largest wild members of the dog family, being the most wide ranging land animal. They are found in parts of North America, Eastern Europe, Northern Asia, Alaska and Canada. They exist in hot and cold climates; forests, deserts, grasslands and agricultural lands.

Wolves communicate through howling, body language and scent. They often mate between late January to March. The female will choose a partner and once that partner is chosen, they may be paired for a number of years. Their gestation period ranges from 60-63 days and a litter size can range from 4-6 pups. Grey Wolves usually breed once a year. 

They live in packs led by the Alpha pair in a pack of 6-8 wolves including offspring. They roam up to 13,000sq km, and can reach speeds of up to 40mph during a chase. Wolves are opportunists. They test their prey, sensing any weakness or vulnerability through visual cues and even through hearing and scent. They rely on the element of surprise and a short and intense burst of energy to secure their prey.

On the hunt, wolves work together with certain individuals typically carrying out their specific role in the hunt, often based on age, gender and social standing. While wolves will eat hares and other small prey, their preferred targets are large hoofed animals such as deer and elk, caribou, moose and even salmon.

I have chosen this animal because I admire its power and strength.