Learn about Wolves
Identify and understand.
This section is a great place to begin learning all about wolves. Information in this section will start with the basics of wolves around the world and carry you through more advanced publications.
Identification
It can be difficult to distinguish between a gray wolf, also referred to as a timber wolf, and a coyote—especially at a distance. Generally wolves are larger and bulkier with long legs while coyotes tend to be sleeker, shorter and light on their feet. Wolves measure five to six feet and weigh fifty to one hundred pounds while in contrast coyotes are 3.5-4.5 feet and weigh twenty-five to forty-five pounds. Wolves also have erect, round furry ears whereas coyotes ears tend to be pointed.
Wolf tracks are usually 3.5” or larger not including claws and generally use a direct registration when they walk, meaning the hind foot steps in line with the front foot. Wolves generally travel by walking or trotting in a fairly straight line and dogs tend to zig zag or follow a random path.
Wolves howl in long low tones and to hear a wolf howl in the wild can be a trilling experience. Wolves seldom bark. Coyote howls are generally mixed with yip, yelps, and barks and are higher pitched.
Wolf tracks are usually 3.5” or larger not including claws and generally use a direct registration when they walk, meaning the hind foot steps in line with the front foot. Wolves generally travel by walking or trotting in a fairly straight line and dogs tend to zig zag or follow a random path.
Wolves howl in long low tones and to hear a wolf howl in the wild can be a trilling experience. Wolves seldom bark. Coyote howls are generally mixed with yip, yelps, and barks and are higher pitched.
Behavior
Wolves are social animals that live in a family group or pack. The number of wolves in a pack is variable depending on the region they live. In the Great Lakes region, a typical winter pack has four individuals. The pack is often made up of a male and female breeding pair, plus last year's and this year's pups. Other subordinate adults may join the pack on occasion, however this is rare in the Great Lakes. The breeding pair is in charge of the pack. They raise the young, select denning and rendezvous locations, and maintain the territory.
A wolf pack's territory can range from twenty to one hundred twenty square miles. In the Great Lakes the typical size is 40-70 square miles. The number of available prey determines the territory size. In areas where prey is more spread out, such as northwestern Canada, territories can reach hundreds of square miles. Wolf territories may share a common border, but seldom overlap by more than a mile. A wolf that trespasses in another pack's territory risks that pack killing it. The pack marks territory boundaries with scent messages—urine and feces. Howling also defines territories and it can also help identify and reunite scattered wolves.
Wolves that leave the pack they are born to find new territory are called dispersers. Dispersal is the primary way wolves colonize new areas and maintain genetic diversity. Dispersers may travel hundreds of miles to find and establish a new territory. Wolves have dispersed up to 550 miles. But, they most often disperse fifty to one hundred miles from their parents' pack.
Wolves usually disperse at the age of one to two years, when they reach sexual maturity, but they can disperse at any age. Dispersers usually leave the pack in autumn or winter. At any one time, five to twenty percent of the wolf population may be dispersing individuals. Usually, a wolf disperses to find an individual of the opposite sex, find a territory, and start a new pack. Some dispersers join packs that are already formed. It is not clear why some wolves disperse and others don’t. Some wolves stay in their parents' pack and take over the territory when their parents die.
A wolf pack's territory can range from twenty to one hundred twenty square miles. In the Great Lakes the typical size is 40-70 square miles. The number of available prey determines the territory size. In areas where prey is more spread out, such as northwestern Canada, territories can reach hundreds of square miles. Wolf territories may share a common border, but seldom overlap by more than a mile. A wolf that trespasses in another pack's territory risks that pack killing it. The pack marks territory boundaries with scent messages—urine and feces. Howling also defines territories and it can also help identify and reunite scattered wolves.
Wolves that leave the pack they are born to find new territory are called dispersers. Dispersal is the primary way wolves colonize new areas and maintain genetic diversity. Dispersers may travel hundreds of miles to find and establish a new territory. Wolves have dispersed up to 550 miles. But, they most often disperse fifty to one hundred miles from their parents' pack.
Wolves usually disperse at the age of one to two years, when they reach sexual maturity, but they can disperse at any age. Dispersers usually leave the pack in autumn or winter. At any one time, five to twenty percent of the wolf population may be dispersing individuals. Usually, a wolf disperses to find an individual of the opposite sex, find a territory, and start a new pack. Some dispersers join packs that are already formed. It is not clear why some wolves disperse and others don’t. Some wolves stay in their parents' pack and take over the territory when their parents die.
Breeding
Wolves are able to breed at two years old, but seldom mate until they are older. In each pack, the breeding pair is usually the only ones to breed. This is because the breeding pair are typically the only unrelated members of the pack. The rest of the pack is typically made up of their offspring. They prevent other breeding adults from mating by harassing them. Thus, a pack generally produces only one litter each year, averaging five to six pups. In areas where there is a high ratio of prey per wolf, such as Yellowstone National Park, there can be many litters per pack.
In early spring packs create a den for the breeding female to birth her pups in. The den’s entrance tunnel is six to twelve feet long and 15 to 25 inches in diameter. Sometimes the female selects a hollow log, cave, or abandoned beaver lodge instead of making a den. After a gestation period of 63 days, four to six pups are born in late April or early May. They time the births so the pack has ample prey in the form of elk or deer fawns.
At birth, wolf pups are deaf and blind, have dark fuzzy fur, and weigh about 1 pound. Their growth is rapid during the first three months, gaining about 3 pounds each week, which is equivalent to 3 sticks of butter. Pups begin to see at two weeks old and can hear after three weeks. Once they can see and hear, they become very active and playful. The mother resides in the den for the first several weeks after birth while the pack hunts. If she must leave the den, the breeding female will appoint a ‘pupsitter’ to watch over the puppies. In the Great Lakes region, it is common for the breeding pair to be the only adult wolves, so sometimes the pups must be left on their own.
When pups reach about six weeks old, the adults wean them and begin to bring them meat. Adults often eat 2-5 pounds of extra meat at a kill site, miles away from the pups. Wolves carryings extra meat often look heavily pregnant! Then, they return and regurgitate the food for the pups. The hungry pups jump and nip at the adults’ muzzles, which stimulate regurgitation.
The pack abandons the den when the pups are six to eight weeks old. The female carries the pups in her mouth to the first of a series of rendezvous sites or nursery areas. These sites are the focus of the pack’s social activities for the summer months and are usually in open areas near water. Wolves will never use a den again during their lives, unless they are the breeding female. Dens are only used for birthing pups and not as sleeping areas or to escape the elements.
By August, the pups can wander up to two to three miles from the rendezvous sites and use the sites less often. The pack leaves the sites in September or October. The now almost full-grown pups follow the adults.
The availability of prey relates to pup survival. Prey is usually more abundant in areas newly colonized by a breeding pair. The average pup survival rate is 30%. In the western Great Lakes, yearling and adult wolves have a 60-80% survival rate. On average gray wolves live 6-8 years in the wild, but can live up to thirteen years.
In early spring packs create a den for the breeding female to birth her pups in. The den’s entrance tunnel is six to twelve feet long and 15 to 25 inches in diameter. Sometimes the female selects a hollow log, cave, or abandoned beaver lodge instead of making a den. After a gestation period of 63 days, four to six pups are born in late April or early May. They time the births so the pack has ample prey in the form of elk or deer fawns.
At birth, wolf pups are deaf and blind, have dark fuzzy fur, and weigh about 1 pound. Their growth is rapid during the first three months, gaining about 3 pounds each week, which is equivalent to 3 sticks of butter. Pups begin to see at two weeks old and can hear after three weeks. Once they can see and hear, they become very active and playful. The mother resides in the den for the first several weeks after birth while the pack hunts. If she must leave the den, the breeding female will appoint a ‘pupsitter’ to watch over the puppies. In the Great Lakes region, it is common for the breeding pair to be the only adult wolves, so sometimes the pups must be left on their own.
When pups reach about six weeks old, the adults wean them and begin to bring them meat. Adults often eat 2-5 pounds of extra meat at a kill site, miles away from the pups. Wolves carryings extra meat often look heavily pregnant! Then, they return and regurgitate the food for the pups. The hungry pups jump and nip at the adults’ muzzles, which stimulate regurgitation.
The pack abandons the den when the pups are six to eight weeks old. The female carries the pups in her mouth to the first of a series of rendezvous sites or nursery areas. These sites are the focus of the pack’s social activities for the summer months and are usually in open areas near water. Wolves will never use a den again during their lives, unless they are the breeding female. Dens are only used for birthing pups and not as sleeping areas or to escape the elements.
By August, the pups can wander up to two to three miles from the rendezvous sites and use the sites less often. The pack leaves the sites in September or October. The now almost full-grown pups follow the adults.
The availability of prey relates to pup survival. Prey is usually more abundant in areas newly colonized by a breeding pair. The average pup survival rate is 30%. In the western Great Lakes, yearling and adult wolves have a 60-80% survival rate. On average gray wolves live 6-8 years in the wild, but can live up to thirteen years.
Habitat and Food Requirements
Wolves need large areas of connected forest, desert, or mountain habitat. A suitable habitat must have enough prey, protection from hunters, and places to den and shelter.
Wolves spend about eight to ten hours every day moving through their home range. It is rare for them to stay in one place for a long period of time.
Wolves can survive on 2.5 pounds of food per day, but need about five pounds per day to raise pups. Wolves, on average, eat 10 pounds of food per day. They may go several days without a meal and then gorge on over twenty pounds of meat in one day, which is like eating 80 quarter pounder hamburger patties! Wolves usually prey on animals larger than themselves, this feeds many individuals. Wolves in the Western Great Lakes region primarily prey on whitetail deer. In central Canada, they primarily prey on caribou.
Their prey is so good at self-defense that wolves most often feed on the sick, injured, and young. They will target the weak, sick, old, young, or healthy animals hindered by deep snow. Wolves can help their prey by killing these individuals. It will increase the prey population's health. Removing these individuals lowers the prey population. There is then more food for the healthy animals. It also ensures the healthiest animals that are best suited to their environment are the ones breeding. Over many generations, this selection helps the prey become better adapted for survival.
Wolf predation on ungulates (hooved animals) changes with the seasons. Predation peaks in mid to late winter. Prey animals are malnourished, and the deep snow makes for easy hunting. It is also high in early summer, when prey animals have their young. Wolves prey heavily on these vulnerable young. In the summer and early fall when, large prey is harder to hunt wolves will switch to smaller prey items. In the western Great Lakes beaver have been found to be an important prey source. They will also eat small mammals, fish, and even blueberries.
Prey availability may limit wolf numbers. In a warmer winter with less snow, deer will be healthier and wolves may not be able to hunt enough animals to feed themselves. This may cause a decrease in wolf populations. Also, several cold, snowy winters may decrease prey and, thus, wolf numbers. Another factor that complicates the effect of wolf predation is the number of competing predators such as bears, coyotes, or bobcats.
Wolves spend about eight to ten hours every day moving through their home range. It is rare for them to stay in one place for a long period of time.
Wolves can survive on 2.5 pounds of food per day, but need about five pounds per day to raise pups. Wolves, on average, eat 10 pounds of food per day. They may go several days without a meal and then gorge on over twenty pounds of meat in one day, which is like eating 80 quarter pounder hamburger patties! Wolves usually prey on animals larger than themselves, this feeds many individuals. Wolves in the Western Great Lakes region primarily prey on whitetail deer. In central Canada, they primarily prey on caribou.
Their prey is so good at self-defense that wolves most often feed on the sick, injured, and young. They will target the weak, sick, old, young, or healthy animals hindered by deep snow. Wolves can help their prey by killing these individuals. It will increase the prey population's health. Removing these individuals lowers the prey population. There is then more food for the healthy animals. It also ensures the healthiest animals that are best suited to their environment are the ones breeding. Over many generations, this selection helps the prey become better adapted for survival.
Wolf predation on ungulates (hooved animals) changes with the seasons. Predation peaks in mid to late winter. Prey animals are malnourished, and the deep snow makes for easy hunting. It is also high in early summer, when prey animals have their young. Wolves prey heavily on these vulnerable young. In the summer and early fall when, large prey is harder to hunt wolves will switch to smaller prey items. In the western Great Lakes beaver have been found to be an important prey source. They will also eat small mammals, fish, and even blueberries.
Prey availability may limit wolf numbers. In a warmer winter with less snow, deer will be healthier and wolves may not be able to hunt enough animals to feed themselves. This may cause a decrease in wolf populations. Also, several cold, snowy winters may decrease prey and, thus, wolf numbers. Another factor that complicates the effect of wolf predation is the number of competing predators such as bears, coyotes, or bobcats.
Place in the ecosystem
In the 1990's Yellowstone National Park set the stage for studying the impact of wolf reintroduction. Without apex or top predators in an ecosystem, studies show that ungulate populations will soar. An ungulate is a reference to deer and elk, herbivores that graze grasslands. Overgrazing is a common problem in ecosystems with absent apex or top predators. Elk graze on and strip young deciduous trees, particularly aspens and willows under seven feet tall.
A decrease in aspen trees along streams and rivers led to a decrease in many species. Trout, frogs, beavers, and insects vital to healthy streams were especially affected. Streams “died” in the absence of these species, and the obvious cause is the absence of the top predator.
There was an increase in coyote populations. With fewer carcasses to scavenge, coyotes shift to other, smaller mammals. This impacts other predator-prey relationships.
When healthy populations of wolves are present, ungulates move more often. They stay in higher elevations, which are more characteristic of their history. Wolves kill the weak, injured, and sick and this reduces the population to healthier levels. Fewer ungulates seem to reduce the destruction of aspen and willow trees. The results along streams and gullies are healthier aspen and willow groves. They bring the stream back to 'life'. With the return of the wolf, coyote populations have also decreased.
Doug Smith, biologist of the Yellowstone Wolf Recovery Program said “Nature without wolves is not nature." "Idaho’s nature depends on the reintroduction of any species that protects a longer-term balance that impacts and regulates the natural economy of the wilderness.” –Benefits of Wolves and Healthy Ecosystems, Wolf Education and Research Center.
A decrease in aspen trees along streams and rivers led to a decrease in many species. Trout, frogs, beavers, and insects vital to healthy streams were especially affected. Streams “died” in the absence of these species, and the obvious cause is the absence of the top predator.
There was an increase in coyote populations. With fewer carcasses to scavenge, coyotes shift to other, smaller mammals. This impacts other predator-prey relationships.
When healthy populations of wolves are present, ungulates move more often. They stay in higher elevations, which are more characteristic of their history. Wolves kill the weak, injured, and sick and this reduces the population to healthier levels. Fewer ungulates seem to reduce the destruction of aspen and willow trees. The results along streams and gullies are healthier aspen and willow groves. They bring the stream back to 'life'. With the return of the wolf, coyote populations have also decreased.
Doug Smith, biologist of the Yellowstone Wolf Recovery Program said “Nature without wolves is not nature." "Idaho’s nature depends on the reintroduction of any species that protects a longer-term balance that impacts and regulates the natural economy of the wilderness.” –Benefits of Wolves and Healthy Ecosystems, Wolf Education and Research Center.
Wolves & Humans
A key aspect of long-term wolf conservation is their relationship with humans. Human dimensions are now key to managing all wildlife. Wolves' survival depends on human tolerance of them. This is especially true in the modified landscapes of the Great Lakes region. Learning to live with wolves means we also have to learn how people relate to wolves. To counter myths, fears, and prejudices, we must understand how people feel about wolves. This will help us encourage tolerance.
Wolf FAQ
Are wolves dangerous to people?
Wolves generally shy and afraid of people. Wolves can be dangerous to people if they become habituated to them. Over the last 100 years, only 2 people have died from attacks from wild wolves in North America. In that period, black bears killed 50 people. Dogs on average cause 30 deaths a year, and cows about 22 deaths per year.
The best way to keep wolves wild is to make sure to maintain your distance from them and do not encourage them to approach humans. Make sure you do not leave any food out overnight in your yard, this includes dog and cat food, which can draw in wild animals. If you see a wolf displaying bold behavior, stop, shout, wave your arms, throw objects, and remove yourself by backing away from the area. Never run from wolves or other large predators. Report to the Department of Natural Resources any wolves that show bold behavior and/or are hanging out near people.
To Learn More Visit:
https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/bear-attacks-
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/dog-attack-statistics-breed/
https://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/31/dangerous-cows
The best way to keep wolves wild is to make sure to maintain your distance from them and do not encourage them to approach humans. Make sure you do not leave any food out overnight in your yard, this includes dog and cat food, which can draw in wild animals. If you see a wolf displaying bold behavior, stop, shout, wave your arms, throw objects, and remove yourself by backing away from the area. Never run from wolves or other large predators. Report to the Department of Natural Resources any wolves that show bold behavior and/or are hanging out near people.
To Learn More Visit:
https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/bear-attacks-
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/dog-attack-statistics-breed/
https://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/31/dangerous-cows
How did wolf recovery happen in the Great Lakes?
After the 1974 Endangered Species Act, wolf populations grew in Minnesota. By 1978 dispersing wolves had returned to Wisconsin and by the late 1980s had returned to Michigan. There was one attempt in 1974 to reintroduce 4 wolves from MN into MI. Within 8 months, those wolves perished. From 1991 to 2002, some wolves were moved from farms where they caused problems. They were relocated to National Forest lands within the same state.
Do wolves affect the deer population?
The deer herd in WI and MI (UP) is very large. Wolves eat approximately 15-19 deer each. According to the Wisconsin and Michigan DNRs, hunters in each state hunt approximately 300,000-600,000 deer each year. This is 15 times more than what wolves eat. The approximately 1000 wolves in Wisconsin consume between 15,000-20,000 deer. In the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan the approximately 760 wolves consume between 11,400 and 15,200. The UP of Michigan has a lower deer population compared to the southern part of the state and to Wisconsin due to the greater snow depths in the winter.
The deer population in Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan is most affected by winter weather and public harvest. In Wisconsin's Northern and Central Forests, most wolves' habitat, hunters killed nearly 65,000 deer in 2020. Even with record wolf numbers, reasonable harvest of deer continues to occur within wolf range.
To Learn More Visit:
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/2020_deer_harvest_survey_repor
The deer population in Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan is most affected by winter weather and public harvest. In Wisconsin's Northern and Central Forests, most wolves' habitat, hunters killed nearly 65,000 deer in 2020. Even with record wolf numbers, reasonable harvest of deer continues to occur within wolf range.
To Learn More Visit:
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/2020_deer_harvest_survey_repor
Do wolves effect the livestock industry?
A few farms experience wolf attacks; some farms suffer significant damage, but, overall wolves cause very little damage to livestock. In 2019, there were 34 confirmed cattle killings in Wisconsin and 24 farms lost livestock to depredation. The highest number was in 2011, with 71 cattle depredations. With wolves delisted from 2012 to 2014, full management was possible. The WI DNR and USDA Wildlife Service then reduced wolf depredations in the state. Thus, the impact on the livestock industry is minimal. We know that farms face issues when wolves stress cattle. So, we need to provide reasonable policies and help for these farmers.
To Learn More Visit:
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/wolf/maps.html#tabx2
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/42501
To Learn More Visit:
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/wolf/maps.html#tabx2
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/42501
Are wolves a threat to dogs?
In Wisconsin, hounds used for hunting bears and other predators can be vulnerable to wolf attacks. Bear hunting hounds are typically far from their owners and training for these hounds occurs in late summer while wolves have pups. During the day wolf pups are often left alone and when a group of bear hunting hounds comes upon the pups the adults will return to protect their young.
Wolves rarely interact with bird hunting dogs. As of 2024, there have been only two reported injuries and one death of bird hunting dogs in Wisconsin.
Interactions between pet dogs and wolves is also rare. controlling dogs and preventing them from wandering out of sight is crucial. Dogs far from their owner’s risk wolf attacks, especially in spring and summer during denning season and rendezvous site use. Owners should keep dogs away from areas where there may be wolf dens or rendezvous sites. Walking on well-marked and commonly used trails with your dogs in view greatly reduces the chances of issues occurring. Keeping dogs near their owners not only protects the dog, but also protects other wild animals.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has a website with information about where wolf/dog conflicts occur across the state. For more information visit: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/wolf/dogdeps.html http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/wolf/guidance.html
Wolves rarely interact with bird hunting dogs. As of 2024, there have been only two reported injuries and one death of bird hunting dogs in Wisconsin.
Interactions between pet dogs and wolves is also rare. controlling dogs and preventing them from wandering out of sight is crucial. Dogs far from their owner’s risk wolf attacks, especially in spring and summer during denning season and rendezvous site use. Owners should keep dogs away from areas where there may be wolf dens or rendezvous sites. Walking on well-marked and commonly used trails with your dogs in view greatly reduces the chances of issues occurring. Keeping dogs near their owners not only protects the dog, but also protects other wild animals.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has a website with information about where wolf/dog conflicts occur across the state. For more information visit: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/wolf/dogdeps.html http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/wolf/guidance.html
Webinars
Here are some of our webinars. Tap the links to view the webinar.
The Art and Science of Tracking
“The skills for tracking animals once made the difference between life and death, and now is somewhat of a lost art. Understanding subtle differences in our surroundings and how we perceive them will reveal the secret lives of animals living around us.” —Sarah Boles
Sarah began learning how to interpret wolf sign in the early 1990s. She mentored in the field, which was followed by training sessions with Jim Halfpenny and other experienced wildlife trackers. She has been working as a wildlife technician for the WIDNR on the wolf program since 1995. She continues to hone her skills and find delight exploring the environments she finds herself in.
Estimating the Wisconsin Wolf Population
Interested in learning how the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates Wisconsin’s wolf population? In this webinar, you can learn the science behind the yearly population estimates. Wildlife Biologist Adrian Wydeven will start the webinar with an overview of how population estimates were completed up until the DNR started using the scaled occupancy model. After Adrian’s talk, DNR Research Scientist Jennifer Price Tack explains the scaled occupancy model for estimating the Wisconsin wolf population used by the DNR for the past three years.
The Art and Science of Tracking
“The skills for tracking animals once made the difference between life and death, and now is somewhat of a lost art. Understanding subtle differences in our surroundings and how we perceive them will reveal the secret lives of animals living around us.” —Sarah Boles
Sarah began learning how to interpret wolf sign in the early 1990s. She mentored in the field, which was followed by training sessions with Jim Halfpenny and other experienced wildlife trackers. She has been working as a wildlife technician for the WIDNR on the wolf program since 1995. She continues to hone her skills and find delight exploring the environments she finds herself in.
Estimating the Wisconsin Wolf Population
Interested in learning how the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates Wisconsin’s wolf population? In this webinar, you can learn the science behind the yearly population estimates. Wildlife Biologist Adrian Wydeven will start the webinar with an overview of how population estimates were completed up until the DNR started using the scaled occupancy model. After Adrian’s talk, DNR Research Scientist Jennifer Price Tack explains the scaled occupancy model for estimating the Wisconsin wolf population used by the DNR for the past three years.
Annual Events
Each year, we hold a series of events to help increase public awareness and knowledge about wolves and their habitat. These generally happen as follows:
- Wolf Howl Field Trip—August (organized by the Natural Resources Foundation)
- Wolf Ecology Workshop—Usually the third weekend in August
- Wolf Awareness Week—Third week of October
- Carnivore Tracking Class—Usually the first weekend in November
- Presentation of Wolf Conservation Program for elementary and junior-high-school students—On-demand throughout the year, both in person and virtual
- Presentations for adult groups—On-demand throughout the year, both in person and virtual