SV115+Gray+Wolf

= **Gray Wolf** =

**Gray Wolf** **Fake Facts: 10**

Sources:
 * 1) 1 [|__http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/animals/creaturefeature/graywolf/__]
 * 2) 2 __ [] __
 * 3) 3 [|__http://www.defenders.org/gray-wolf/basic-facts__]
 * 4) 4 __ [] __

Description T his is a Gray Wolf. They are the largest member of the canine family. ‍They usually weigh from 90 to 200 pounds.‍ They communicate with howls, whimpers. and squeaks. Some wolves even bark like a domesticated dog. Gray Wolves hunt hoofed animals such as moose, and deer. On average, a Gray Wolf lives from six to eight years. No person has ever been killed or injured by a healthy wolf. ‍When a pup is born, it only weighs the same as 70 sticks of butter‍. ‍Wolves are part of the canine family along with cats and jackals.‍The scientific name for them is Canis Lupus. They have fluffy winter fur. They are classified as one of the smartest animals alive. When they need to find their pack.‍ they meow as loud as they can.‍

Mating Season: ‍January or February.‍ Gestation: 63 days. Litter size: 4-7 pups.


 * Habitat **

There is an estimated 7,000 to 12,000 wolves in Alaska and more than 50,000 in the 48 lower states. There is about only 200,000 Gray Wolves in 57 countries right now. Wolves were once very common in North America until most were killed out in the mid 1930's. That caused them to breed with other dogs like Dingos (Found in Australia). Two other main species of wolves are the Red Wolf of North America and the Main Wolf of South America. Today their range has been reduced to Canada and the following portions of the United States: Alaska, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Washington D.C. is one of the most favored places to see wolves in the native habitat.


 * A ctions **

If a Gray Wolf feels confident, it will approach another with perked up e ars. When they want to play, they jump and pounce around. Wolf pups will pounce, chase, and wrestle as ways to play with others. When they are born, they are blind and defenseless. Wolves have a complex communication system ranging from barks and whines to growls and howls. While they don't howl at the moon, they do howl more when it's lighter at night, which occurs. ‍The pack cares for the pups until they mature at about 10 months of age.‍


 * Fun Facts! **
 * Wolves have 20% larger skulls and brains than other dogs.
 * As of 2005, 73 subspecies of gray wolf are recognized by MSW3
 * Alpha males choose den sites and establish the pack's territory.
 * Wolves may even sacrifice themselves to protect the family unit.
 * In a pack there are only 2 wolves that breed while other adults care for the young.
 * Wolves also eat animals like bird, fish, lizards, snakes, and even tigers!
 * ‍They hunt in packs from 60 to 1,000‍
 * They travel up to 1,000 miles a day.