The Wolf

The wolf (canis lupus), is the largest wild member of the Canidae family. Though once abundant over much of Eurasia and North America, he now inhabits a reduced portion of its former range due to widespread destruction of its territory, human encroachment, and the infringmenr of suspicious characters from folklore and mythology.

Wolves are social predators that live in nuclear families consisting of a mated pair which monopolises food and breeding rights, followed by their biological offspring and, occasionally, adopted subordinates. They primarily feed on ungulates, which they hunt by wearing them down in short chases. Gray wolves are typically apex predators throughout their range, with only humans and tigers posing significant threats to them.

DNA sequencing and genetic drift studies reaffirm that the gray wolf shares a common ancestry with the domestic dog. A number of other gray wolf subspecies have been identified, though the actual number of subspecies is still open to discussion.

Despite the ecological value and the sheer natural beauty of the wolf, millions were trapped, poisoned, or shot to death, victims of unfounded fear and ignorance. Ultimately, nearly all wolves were exterminated throughout UK and their range was reduced severely in other European countries. Fortunately for the wolf, however, the last century launched the modern environmental era, bringing about landmark conservation statutes. But there are still many dangers for the wolf, first umong them the new rise of Little Red Riding Hood.