15 Wild Facts about Wolves

First published 5th March 2020 Robin James

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They’re ferocious, scary and wild, but just how much do you know about these four-legged carnivores? It’s time to put your years of wisdom to the test by taking a look at some of the most fun facts about wolves that scientists know…

1. There’s strength in numbers.

The reason wolves hunt in packs is they’re not very successful doing it alone!

2. Wolves are family animals.

The whole pack raises the pups, not just the parents.

3. Your chihuahua is descended from wolves!

It’s thought that domestic dogs came from wolves approximately 10,000 years ago.

4. The pack life can be brutal.

Poor hunters will be kicked out of the pack for not pulling their weight.

5. Wolves are seriously speedy.

Wolves have a top speed of 35 mph when running in full flight.

6. Wolves really chow down.

An adult wolf will eat up to 14 lb of meat a day.

7. If you’re a mile from a wolf, it might already be too late.

Incredibly, wolves can smell how tasty you are from a mile away!

8. Wolves are natural sirens.

The typical howl lasts for 5 seconds and can be used as a rallying cry, warning to rival packs, or one-to-one communication.

9. Deep down, wolves aren’t so harsh.

Wolves are big softies at heart and are one of the few species to mate for life.

10. Wolves are very expressive.

Scientists have learned they communicate with facial expressions such as pulling their lips back to show their teeth.

11. Take our word for this…

…a wolf’s jaws are so strong they can crush a bone instantly.

12. Wolves have amazing vision.

They can see in the dark so that they never have to wait until morning to hunt.

13. Wolves are always on the move!

A wolf pack will always be moving and spends up to 1/3 of its life getting from A to B.

14. Wolves are agile swimmers.

Their webbed paws allow them to move with speed and agility in the water.

15. Wolves change wardrobes dramatically.

Unlike dogs who shed their fur hair by hair, a wolf sheds its coat in large sheets.

FAQs about Wolves

Are wolves smart creatures?

Yes! Wolves can be exceptionally smart, not just in that they are cunning, but also in that they have emotional intelligence - they look after each other.

Can dogs join wolf packs?

No - it’s thought that a wolf pack would see a domestic dog as a threat, and would therefore attack it.

Can you ever befriend a wolf?

It’s never a good idea to try and befriend a wild adult wolf - they will see you as a threat!

Do you know any fun facts about wolves? Share them in the comments below!

Are you fascinated with dogs? Check out these interesting facts about Siberian Huskies…

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6 Comments

krisalynn mercer fowler says:
14th October 2020 at 14:05

this is an amazing sight to be on there are so many facts

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Batool says:
15th October 2020 at 17:18

I am leaing about wolves

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Angel Bonds says:
21st December 2020 at 21:52

i love wolves they are the most beautiful thing and this sight helps when you are doing research.

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lilly thompson says:
23rd June 2021 at 20:15

I love wolves so made a book about them I draw them and do other things.

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Myracle says:
8th March 2022 at 13:37

I’m doing a fact and opinion essay on wolves moving to Colorado, and this is perfect!

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A name. says:
24th June 2022 at 21:35

Wolves don’t actually eat people, they are terrified of us, I don’t know where that myth came from, but its false. And wolves paws are only slightly webbed, not webbed enough to make fully webbed paws. And I don’t know why, but wolves hunting with just a mate generally has a higher success rate then packs, maybe the element of surprise, or that the elk underestimate the wolf/wolves, and don’t put all effort to save themselves during the chase or showdown.

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