Gray Wolf

  • Scientific name: Canis lupis
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Carnivora
  • Family: Canidae
  • Genus: Canis
  • Species: C. lupus
Gray Wolf

Fun Facts

  • The wolf is the largest member of the canine family.
  • A wolf's lifespan is about 12 years in the wild, and up to 16 in captivity.
  • Wolves range in color from grizzled gray, to black to all white.
  • Wolves in the wild, prey on mammals such as elk, moose, and deer. They will also feed on smaller mammals such as beaver and rabbits.
  • Wolves live in packs with the alpha male and alpha female leading the packs.
  • Wolves communicate by howling (vocalizing), scent marking, body expressions, and facial expressions.
  • Wolves can weigh 55 to 130 pounds.