Black Wolf: The Complete Portrait

The black wolf is a member of the canid family. It belongs to the gray wolf subspecies. This phenotype, with its all-black coat, is the result of a hybridization of the wolf with the domestic dog.

If you are passionate about this totem animal that has seduced many peoples, because of certain undeniable qualities, such as intelligence, strength of instinct, resistance and robustness, then consult this article to learn more about the Canadian wolf.

General information about the black wolf

The black wolf belongs to the subspecies Canis Lupus occidentalis. This subspecies includes several subspecies, such as the Mackenzie wolf and the Tundra wolf. This animal, called the Alberta wolf, lives in the far north of Canada and Alaska.

More specifically, this wild animal lives in the coniferous forests of Eurasia and North America, in the rocky mountains and in the taiga.

This animal species numbers about 10,000 members in the Northwest Territories province of Canada .

Accommodation in animal parks

The Pyrenees Animal Park has been developed to allow visitors to observe the wolf population in a more favorable and secure environment.

In November 2019, the Sainte-Croix Animal Park in France received a new subspecies of Canadian wolves, composed of 7 members and called "Timberwolf", from the Givkud Zoo in Denmark.

The Black Wolf's Strengths

The black wolf is distinguished by the strength of its senses. In particular, it has a very powerful sense of smell that can extend over 300 m . It is also a very efficient sprinter, which can run with extraordinary speed, around 50 km/h . In addition, it is a nyctalopic animal which benefits from strong night vision.

Morphology

The black wolf stands about 80 cm at the withers. It is tall and has a large head, relatively short ears, and a broad forehead. It has wide soles on its feet, which make it easier to move on the snow.

This animal is among the most imposing wolves in terms of weight, as it can weigh up to 60 to 80 kg . Note that males weigh more than females, by about 20%.

The phenomenon of melanism is quite rare among wolves. However, it is present throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including Western Europe, such as Italy.

Hunting and food

The black wolf generally hunts in packs. Thanks to its keen sense of smell, it can spot its prey from afar. It relies on its speed to pursue it over long distances, tiring it out and then attacking it.

Being a carnivorous animal, it feeds mainly on large ungulates, such as: elk, bison, caribou and white-tailed deer.

Depending on the season and the region occupied, this wolf sometimes settles on small prey, such as beaver, hare, rodents, and birds. It may even feed on carcasses.

The Canadian wolf plays an important ecological role . Due to its super-predator status, it creates a regulatory effect by hunting wild ungulates. This helps protect certain trees from overgrazing. It also helps clean up the environment of debris and carcasses.

Social life

The Canadian wolf lives in packs of 4 to 12 members who are tightly knit. The strong bond between wolves in the pack allows them to capture larger and more substantial prey.

The pack follows a strict hierarchy. At the top of the hierarchy is the Alpha couple , which is composed of the dominant wolf and she-wolf. They are the leaders of the clan, to whom the other wolves are submissive and demonstrate their loyalty.

Only the Alpha female has the right to reproduce . When the cubs reach maturity, they can leave the pack to form their own clan.

The area of ​​a pack's territory generally extends between 80 and 240 km² . This measurement varies from one region to another. To mark its territory, the black wolf leaves marks such as feces and urine. In addition, it uses howls to inform other wolves that its territory is occupied.

This animal digs dens in the ground, which are dedicated to giving birth. This process takes place in the spring and produces 4 or 6 wolf cubs. Typically, these underground shelters are built under rocks and near a water source. They are dedicated to sheltering and protecting the female wolf and her cubs.

Since the reintegration of the black wolf into Yellowstone National Park , the ecosystem has restored its balance, allowing the regeneration of certain species that had disappeared.

If you're one of the wolf lovers who advocates for its survival, you can express it through your lifestyle. Our online store, Terre des Loups, offers a wide range of items: wolf backpacks, wolf stickers, and many other items that are sure to delight you.