Wolves

Wolves are majestic canines, and nearly the largest of their family, weighing 55-200 pounds and measuring 40-65 inches from nose to tail. They inhabit the Northern Hemisphere, adapting to various climates with their thick fur. Highly intelligent and social, wolves live in packs where each member knows its rank and role. Communication is key for wolves. They use body language and scent marking to define territory, invite pack members, and guide stragglers. Younger wolves nip their mothers to signal hunger and show affection by rubbing against elders, while play helps them learn boundaries and grow stronger. Many wolf species are endangered or extinct. In the U.S., wolves were nearly wiped out by the 1980s. The Species Survival Program (SSP), started in 1981, focuses on breeding and conserving red wolves. Reintroduction efforts in North Carolina, Colorado, and California show promise, but habitat loss remains a major threat.

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