The wolf (Canis lupus[a]), also known as the gray wolf or grey wolf,
is a large canine native to Eurasia and North America. More than
thirty subspecies of Canis lupus have been recognized, and gray
wolves, as colloquially understood, comprise non-domestic/feral
subspecies. The wolf is the largest extant member of Canidae, males
averaging 40 kg (88 lb) and females 37 kg (82 lb). Wolves measure
105â€"160 cm (41â€"63 in) in length and 80â€"85 cm (31â€"33 in) at
shoulder height. The wolf is also distinguished from other Canis
species by its less pointed ears and muzzle, as well as a shorter
torso and a longer tail. The wolf is nonetheless related closely
enough to smaller Canis species, such as the coyote and the golden
jackal, to produce fertile hybrids with them. The banded fur of a wolf
is usually mottled white, brown, gray, and black, although subspecies
in the arctic region may be nearly all white.The wolf (Canis
lupus[a]), also known as the gray wolf or grey wolf, is a large canine
native to Eurasia and North America. More than thirty subspecies of
Canis lupus have been recognized, and gray wolves, as colloquially
understood, comprise non-domestic/feral subspecies. The wolf is the
largest extant member of Canidae, males averaging 40 kg (88 lb) and
females 37 kg (82 lb). Wolves measure 105â€"160 cm (41â€"63 in) in
length and 80â€"85 cm (31â€"33 in) at shoulder height. The wolf is
also distinguished from other Canis species by its less pointed ears
and muzzle, as well as a shorter torso and a longer tail. The wolf is
nonetheless related closely enough to smaller Canis species, such as
the coyote and the golden jackal, to produce fertile hybrids with
them. The banded fur of a wolf is usually mottled white, brown, gray,
and black, although subspecies in the arctic region may be nearly all
white.Of all members of the genus Canis, the wolf is most specialized
for cooperative game hunting as demonstrated by its physical
adaptations to tackling large prey, its more social nature, and its
highly advanced expressive behaviour. It travels in nuclear families
consisting of a mated pair accompanied by their offspring. Offspring
may leave to form their own packs on the onset of sexual maturity and
in response to competition for food within the pack. Wolves are also
territorial and fights over territory are among the principal causes
of wolf mortality. The wolf is mainly a carnivore and feeds on large
wild hooved mammals as well as smaller animals, livestock, carrion,
and garbage. Single wolves or mated pairs typically have higher
success rates in hunting than do large packs. Pathogens and parasites,
notably rabies, may infect wolves.The global wild wolf population was
estimated to be 300,000 in 2003 and is considered to be of Least
Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Wolves have a long history of interactions with humans, having been
despised and hunted in most pastoral communities because of their
attacks on livestock, while conversely being respected in some
agrarian and hunter-gatherer societies. Although the fear of wolves
exists in many human societies, the majority of recorded attacks on
people have been attributed to animals suffering from rabies. Wolf
attacks on humans are rare because wolves are relatively few, live
away from people, and have developed a fear of humans because of their
experiences with hunters, ranchers, and shepherds. Wolf Top Movies & Young Movies