Forest, Wildlife & Environment Department Government of Gilgit-Baltistan
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Grey Wolf
About Grey Wolf
Grey wolves are canines with long bushy tails that are often black-tipped. Their coat color is typically a mix of grey and brown with buff facial markings and undersides, but the color can vary from solid white to brown or black. Grey wolves look somewhat like a large German shepherd.
Physical characteristics: Grey wolves are canines with long bushy tails that are often black-tipped. Their coat color is typically a mix of grey and brown with buff facial markings and undersides, but the color can vary from solid white to brown or black. Grey wolves look somewhat like a large German shepherd. The distance between the canines is around 4 cm. Gray wolves have a dense under fur layer, providing them with excellent insulation against cold conditions. Gray wolves can be distinguished from red wolves (Canis rufus) by their larger size, broader snout, and shorter ears. They are distinguished from coyotes (Canis latrans) by being 50 to 100% larger and having a broader snout and larger feet.
Habitat and Ecology: Grey Wolves occupy a wide range of habitats, including steppe, open woodlands, forests, grasslands and arid landscapes. They are highly social and they live in packs of 2 – 36 individuals, but more commonly a pack will consist of a family group of 8 – 12 wolves. Within the pack there will be an alpha pair and their offspring, and they form a tightly knit, organized group. Grey Wolves are carnivores and their prey depend upon their geographic location, availability and if they are hunting alone or together as a pack.