The wolf is the largest member of the canid family, the most common species of which is the grey wolf who has several different sub species such as the Eastern wolf and the critically endangered Ethiopian wolf. It is a survivor from the ice age, evolving from the dire wolf to the wolf we know and love today. Although evidence suggests a common genetic link between the wolf and the domesticated dog, it is thought that the two species only share about 98% of its DNA. However, both dog and wolf still share many of the same behavioral traits and characteristics.



Wolves are predatory by nature, carnivores that can travel for miles to find something tasty to eat. They commonly live in woodland, deserts, mountain ranges and grasslands. They were once spread throughout the world but due to extermination in the past they now reside mainly in Eastern Europe, Asia and the American continents. Their only enemy is the human. Whilst in some areas of the world they are rightly seen as a protected species, in others they are still feared by humanity and subject to mass extermination or hunted for sport.


They tend to roam in packs, containing up to 10 wolves, although bigger packs have been observed. This consists usually of the breeding pair (the alpha male and female and a few other ranked wolf such as the beta and omega) and their young who usually remain with their parents for around 2 years before leaving to form packs of their own. Wolves are generally monogamous, choosing only to breed with
a select other.

They are territorial by nature, choosing to stay in one area unless threatened by humanity or due to lack of food. The size
of the area they reside in can be anything up to 200km, they mark their territory by scenting, much like canines do and they keep track of each other within this territory by howling.

Wolves feed primarily on hooved animals such as deer or buffalo, although they are also opportunistic feeders and will eat anything that is available. They will only eat the most weakest animal unless starved for food. If the wolf thinks it has a chance of killing a
potential meal then they will try, although bigger prey such as bison can often stand their ground against a pack.
A single wolf can eat up to 3.5kg of meat at a time and needs to drink lots of water to prevent disease and poisoning.

Many anti wolf sites claim that wolves are known to attack people without provocation but throughout the ages, the only wolf attacks on people have been from rabid wolves or mothers protecting their young.
You are much more likely to be attacked from a domestic dog than a wolf!