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At the end of October, Project Coyote celebrates Wolf Awareness week, a week devoted to receiving donations towards the Wild Carnivore Legal Defense Fund to aid in protecting carnivorous species such as lions, endangered polar bears, and specifically wolves. “The opportunity to celebrate wolves is more important than ever seeing as the state of Wisconsin killed over 20% of their wolf population in just a few days”, announces Project Coyote. In acknowledgment of the species, here are 5 facts about wolves to “wolf down” over the course of Wolf Awareness week:
Wolves Can Run Up to 35 Miles Per Hour: According to the California Wolf Center, wolves can run in short bursts up to 35 miles per hour, but only for a short period of time, about 2 seconds. However, they can travel consistently at 25 miles per hour and, in search of food, run up to 30 mph. That’s faster than the average speed of a driver on main streets (32 mph).
On Average, Wolves Live About 10 Years: Specifically, wolves live about 5 to 7 years in the wild and 12-15 years when in captivity, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. The leading cause of death for the wolf population is humans followed by parasites and starvation in third. While wolves can consume each other for food (their bite clocks in about 400 psi!), it typically seldom and only occurs in high populous areas with little food.
Wolves Do Not Howl at The Moon: The California Wolf Center debunks the myth that wolves come together in a pack to howl at a full moon. In actuality, the moon has nothing to do with wolf howls and it is simply a way to communicate with each other, locate other species, and defend their territory. A wolf’s howl can be heard up to 9 miles away on flat land, however, communication is just as common in the daytime as it is at night.
Their Gestration Period is About 63 Days: An average wolf’s gestation period is about 2 months, specifically 63 days, according to wolfhaven.org. Contrary to popular belief that gestation occurs during the Winter months, wolves must commonly give birth during the Spring months of April and May. An average wolf litter is about 4 or 5 pups but can be upwards of 10 pups depending on the living conditions.
Mexican Gray Wolves Are the Most Endangered Wolf Species: Project Coyote notes that Mexican Gray Wolves are the species most at risk of becoming extinct in the coming years, followed very closely by the Red Wolf population. The population of each species is approximately 213 Mexican Gray Wolves and 290 Red Wolves. The states of Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho have the highest populations managed by their respective governments.
Currently, Project Coyote has received about $100,000 in donations to protect and raise awareness of the wolf population. While 100% of donations will go towards the cause, Project Coyote will also donate to other carnivorous species to promote biodiversity and protect their livestock. Donations are taken through their website projectcoyote.org so feel free to chip in and support the population of the big bad wolves.
