The Grey Wolf (Canis Lupus) , as they're called, is the largest of 41 wild species within the dog family (Canidae), of the order Carnivora.

They Range in color through the shades of grey, to black, to solid white. They resemble a Husky dog in appearance - measuring 26:to 38 inches at shoulder height, They generally measure 39 to 80 inches fron the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Weight falls between 55 and 130 pounds.

Wolves are shy, avoid people, and hunt at night. Timberwolves are considered Endangered, and are protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). There are an estimated 7,000 to 9,000 in Alaska today, and an estimated 3500 in the United States. World wide there are an estimated 200,000 compared to the two million that used to inhabit the planet. Only a few upper states and Canada still have a wolf population large enough to maintain itself.

Wolves live in packs of generally 4 - 7 animals, who are primarily family members and relatives. The strongest, most dominate male (the Alpha male) is definately the leader of the pack. His mate, the Alpha female, rules at his side throughout their lifetimes. The Alpha male and female are the only ones in the pack who breed and bear children, but the entire family participates in the rearing of the little ones.

Breeding usually takes place in January and February, and one to six pups are born about two months later. Spring and summer are the stationary months for the wolfpack. They stay close to home, their den, and care for the newborns.Adults prefer to sleep outside under the stars so the den is used as a nursery for the baby pups. By autumn, the pups are ready to travel with the adults, so the nomadic months begin and last through winter.The pack will roam it's territory as a unit at this time. Sleeping outside can be harsh during snowstorms, but the timberwolf has it covered -- they have a natural "scarf" built into their tails. When it's time to sleep they wrap this scarf over their nose and paws. The snow covers them, which provides insulation from the freezing outdoor temperatures.

COMMUNICATION

Dominance is shown by a wolf standing on it's hind legs. A submissive wolf may roll over on it's back to expose it's underside to the Alpha male. A wolf's tail can tell you alot about them, too. If the tail is high and curled, the animal is showing dominance. A high wagging tail means friendliness or playfulness. If the wolf's tail is pointing straight out, the animal is definately tense, and could be indicating that he senses danger and is about to attack. A relaxed wolf will have a tail that is also relaxed, and hanging straight down. A tail tucked between the animal's legs may be a submissive gesture to a dominant wolf, or it may indicate fear in the animal.

The penetrating stare of an Alpha male wolf is used to maintain order within the pack. Timberwolves use several vocalizations to communicate as well. They growl, whimper, whine, bark, squeak and, of course, howl. Growls threaten, or enforce pack heirarchy. Whimpering and whining are displays of friendliness or playfulness. A mother wolf whimpers to calm her babies. Barks signal alarm over a situation or challenge an enemy. A squeak is used to call pups. Howls are, without a doubt, the wolf's most distinguishing vocalizations. They are used to bring the pack together when scattered, to protect their territory, and they're used in times of celebration. Each wolf carries a unique note when howling, so each wolf has a unique voice. Although wolves fear humans in the wild, they readily respond to human howls, so if you howl at the moon, they will join you in song.

Throughout time , the Wolf has been much malaigned, and is still feared and hunted down wrongfully today. This is the perfect example of the proverbial "Bad Rap" - wolves are shy animals who fear humans in the wild and therefore avoid them and attacks by healthy wolves on humans happens seldom, if ever.

Essay by Penny Iles