CRITTERS OF NORTH IDAHO: Gray Wolf

Timber wolf. Western wolf. Gray wolf. All of these terms refer to the same animal: Canis lupus, the ancestor from which all domestic dogs descend. This creature has long been considered a symbol of power, strength in numbers and wits. Gray wolves are the largest members of the dog family, weighing 40-175 pounds and measuring 49-83 inches from nose to tail. While often grizzled gray in color (hence their common name), they can also occur with all-black or all-white fur, as well as anywhere between. They typically live 7-8 years in the wild, but can live beyond 12 years of age in protected areas, like Yellowstone National Park.