Both feared and revered, wolves play an important role as apex predators. In this guide, we take a look at their habitat, hunting techniques and more <\/p>
Wolves are the largest members of the dog family (Canidae<\/em>) and are highly sociable\u00a0mammals\u00a0that typically travel and hunt in packs. <\/strong><\/p> In our guide to wolves, discover how they hunt, communicate and how many grey wolves there are.<\/p> Wolves are the largest members of the dog family (Canidae<\/em>) and can be found in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa.<\/p> These apex predators<\/a> are a keystone species<\/a> because they encourage biodiversity <\/a>and support ecosystems<\/a> by keeping prey numbers under control. Wolves live in a variety of habitats, including forests, shrublands, wetlands, grasslands, rocky areas and deserts.\u00a0<\/p> These\u00a0carnivores\u00a0occur primarily but not exclusively in wilderness and remote areas where there is suitable food. Unsurprisingly, there are usually more wolves where there is more to eat. The wolves\u2019 diet mainly consists of large ungulates such as moose, caribou, deer, elk and wild boar <\/a>but they are also known to catch smaller mammals. Wolves will also consume livestock, carrion and garbage.\u00a0<\/p> These endurance athletes can track prey over\u00a0huge\u00a0distances. They hunt large mammals in packs, outrunning and exhausting their target: the young, old, injured or sick are often selected.<\/p> Once they get close to their prey, wolves attack by biting the flanks, legs or throat to immobilise it. Higher-ranking members of the pack feed first, followed by the rest. When wolves hunt smaller animals such as rabbits, they tend to hunt alone and rely on stalking and pouncing.\u00a0<\/p> Where do wolves live?<\/h2>
What do wolves eat?\u00a0<\/h2>
How do wolves hunt?\u00a0<\/h2>