(3)
Diet for Canis Lupus:
Grey wolves are carnivores. The diet of a grey wolf varies geographically. Grey wolves mostly hunt in packs for large prey such as moose, elk, bison, musk oxen, and reindeer. Wolves are able to control prey populations by hunting the weak, old, and immature (3). A wolf can eat up to 9 kg of meat during one meal. Wolves that are hunting alone normally hunt smaller prey such as beavers, rabbits, and other small mammals. Wolves can also eat livestock and rubbish when it is within range (1, 3).
Lifespan:
Grey wolves can live up to 13 years of age in the wild. However, the average lifespan of the grey wolf is about 5 to 6 years. As grey wolves reach adulthood, the more likely they are to meet die from gaining injuries through hunting and fighting other wolves. In captivity they may live to be 15 to 20 years of age (1, 3).
Behavior:
Grey wolves usually live in packs, and they are led by an alpha pair (5). The pack usually consists of the some of the alpha pair's offspring and some unrelated wolves. These packs range from about two to twenty members (1). The pack is highly organized and always sticks together. Also, the alpha wolf is normally female and rules over the rest of the pack (1). A pack's territory can be as large as 13,000 square km (5). It is said that howling allows the grey wolf to mark its territory. When offspring are first born, the mother stays with them for the first few weeks while the rest of the pack bring her food (5).
You mentions wolves that hunt alone, to wolves usually hunt alone? It's interesting that the female is the alpha wolf because I would think that the male would be.
ReplyDeleteDo some grey wolves usually leave the pack at a certain age?
ReplyDeleteWhat happens if one of the alpha pair die. Who replaces either one of them?
ReplyDeleteWolves normally hunt in groups because it is more organized and their hunting techniques are more successful. Normally the packs stick closely together. And eventually the offspring will replace the alpha pairs when they reach adulthood and so on and so far. If one of the alpha pairs die then the other takes over and another family member will join the one alpha remaining to lead the pack.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! Because the wolves hunt together, are predators (if any) less likely to attack?
ReplyDeleteYes I'd say so because these packs are so tightly knit together, and their pack will be more intimidating to predators as well.
ReplyDeleteSo lets say the female from the alpha pair dies, does that then me the a daughter of the male could then become the alpha female<
ReplyDelete