Endangered Animals Of North America
The Gray Wolf
Save the Gray Wolf
On the endangered species list the gray wolf is considered "least concerned", but why? This is because of us humans. The gray wolf's population is being lowered by the minute. There is no need to kill any more of these animals. We are already doing a fine job in protecting the gray wolf so join us in protecting the gray wolf even more.
Description
The gray wolf can be described as the comeback kid because they were almost extinct, but were able to survive and be moved to least concerned endangered animals. These wolves are carnivores. They are mammals and can weigh up to 80 pounds. Gray wolves can live up to 13 years old.
Habitat
The gray wolf can be found in the North America region. Mainly around the Great Lakes, but can also be found scattered throughout North America. They also heavily populate Alaska, Michigan, and Wisconsin. They usually live in tundras, woodlands, forests, grasslands, and deserts.
Food Chain
The gray wolf is quite high in the food chain. Their only predators are humans. Gray wolves primarily prey upon moose, elk, bison, deer, hare, and beavers. They also have a unique hunting technique. First, they locate their prey, then slowly begin to approach. After they get close enough, they give chase until the prey tires and slows. Wolves may also eat dead animals.
Adaptation
The gray wolf has adapted to its environment in many ways. One way is that they have thick fur to protect themselves from the cold. Their paws also have excellent traction for walking in the snow. The gray wolf's jaws can produce up to 500 pounds of pressure. They can also store up to 20 pounds of food. A gray wolf's sense of smell is 100 times better than a human's, and their sense of hearing is 20 times better than a human's.
Critical Information
Some critical information about the gray wolf is that they have almost been taken off the endangered list. The population had been reduced because of poisoning and deliberate persecution due to the wolves preying on livestock. Fortunately, these beautiful creatures have made a comeback with the help of legal protection, land-use changes, and rural human population shifts to cities, allowing natural recolonization. (RL)
Citations
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/arran_edmonstone_photography/4992678388/">ArranET</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angel_malachite/5351336282/">contemplicity</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremyweber/7744670830/">doublejwebers</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seelilie/4356512030/">Sibylle Stofer</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">cc</a>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGmDwniWBU0
Mitchell, Hayley. The Wolf. San Diego, Calfironia: Lucent Books, Inc, 1998. Print.
Mech, L.D. & Boitani, L. (IUCN SSC Wolf Specialist Group) 2010. Canis lupus. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 12 April 2013.
"The Gray Wolf." blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2012/03/the-gray-wolf-the-great-lakes-comeback-kid. N.p., 21 Mar 2012. Web. 12 Apr 2013.