Scientific Name |
Canis lupis |
General Description |
The gray wolf, also called the Eastern timber wolf, is the largest undomesticated member of the canid family. Fur coloration generally is gray, with a lighter underside, but can vary from pure white to jet black. |
Weight |
Males: 57-102 lbs, Females 46-75 lbs |
Body length |
41-63 inches |
Primary Habitat |
Wolves occupy a wide range of habitats where large ungulates, including elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer or moose are found. In Midwestern states, habitats currently used by wolves range from mixed hardwood-coniferous forests in wilderness and sparsely settled areas, to forest and prairie landscapes dominated by agricultural and pasture lands. Home range sizes of wolves vary, depending on prey density and pack size. In Minnesota, winter home ranges of wolves averaged 30- 59 square miles. |
Breeding Season |
Late winter |
Gestation Period |
63 days |
Litter size |
6 |
Status in North Dakota |
Rare. Occasional sightings. No known breeding population |
Food habits |
Deer, elk, moose, beaver, other smaller animals. |