Arctic wolves

Habitat
Along the Arctic coast of Alaska, the Canadian islands, and northern and northeastern Greenland

Lifespan
Up to 12 years

Weight
Females: 18-55 kg
Males: 20-80 kg

Height
65-70 cm

Gestation Period
61-63 days

Number of Pups
1-11 pups, averaging 4-7

Conservation Status
Not threatened

Did you know that…

• The Arctic wolf is also known as the polar wolf.
• It is a subspecies of the gray wolf and differs by being slightly smaller in size with smaller ears and muzzle. This adaptation helps reduce heat loss in the cold regions.
• Wolves can maintain a steady trot of 8 km/h over very long distances, covering more than 60 km per day.
• During a chase, they can run up to 70 km/h.
• Arctic wolves can roam alone but often live in pairs or small groups of 3-8 individuals, consisting of a dominant male and female, along with several younger members from previous litters.
• Only the dominant female gives birth, and all adults participate in raising the pups.
• Wolves have around 200 million olfactory cells, while humans have around 5 million.
• Wolves locate prey by tracking its scent. They can detect the scent of prey from 2-3 kilometers away.
• Why do wolves howl? They howl for several reasons: To communicate the location of the wolf pack members, allowing separated individuals to find their way back more easily. To inform other wolf packs about their presence, both to keep unfamiliar wolves at bay and to indicate territorial occupancy. To prepare for a hunt. Wolves often howl before embarking on a hunt together.
• The howling likely motivates other pack members to join the hunt.

Meet the wolf pack in the Wolf Forest.