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From "Arctic Wolf", Encyclopedia of Animals, 2006. What are Arctic Wolves?
- Arctic wolves
are three to five feet long with tails 1 to 1 1/2
feet long. They weigh up to 175 pounds . They have very thick and long fur that keeps them warm in
the wind and cold. Their fur is usually white or yellowish with some
black or gray.
Where do Arctic Wolves Live?
- Arctic wolves live in the mountains and tundra of the Arctic.
They survive where the temperature rarely is warmer than 22 degrees
below zero.
What do Arctic Wolves Eat?
- Arctic wolves eat arctic hares, lemmings, musk ox, and caribou. Wolves
hunt in packs (groups). They are able to
go without food for several days. When the pack finds a herd of caribou
or musk oxen, they pick a young, old, or sick animal to kill. Each wolf is able to eat up to 100 pounds of meat at a time. They eat everything, including the skin, bones, and fur. {Picture}
Arctic Wolf Babies
- Arctic wolves
mate in March.
The female leaves the pack and gives birth to her babies in a den. She
has four to five puppies which are born blind, deaf, and helpless. The
male brings food to her while she feeds the puppies milk and keeps them
warm. After one month the puppies are able to eat meat. The whole pack
takes care of the puppies. {Picture}
Other Facts - Arctic wolves have very few natural enemies. Even human beings are not a great threat to the wolves.
- Arctic wolves live in family groups called packs. A pack may have up to 30
members but usually has between 7 and 10 members.
- The life span of arctic wolves is seven years.
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