Page 35 - North Haven Magazine Issue 32 Winter 2024

Wolves maintain a family unit. Wolves bond and show emotion by touching.

The female wolves, who are lighter weight, fast, and quick, are considered rare. In North America, no human deaths
do most of the herding and work out the animals to tire have been attributed to wild, healthy wolves since at least
them. Then the powerful males move in to aggressively take 1900 according to a 2002 report prepared for the Alaska De-
down the large animal. All pack members share the food. partment of Fish and Game.

The Eastern Wolf: The “Lone Wolf”:
There seems to be some controversy or confusion about We are familiar with this term and often view the individual
wolves in the west and those in the east. According to Wolf- called a “lone wolf” as someone who is rugged, indepen-
Worlds.com, some argue that Eastern wolves are a mix of dent, marching to their own drummer, and not tied to com-
coyotes and Gray Wolves, but even though it may be mis- panions. Most people do not choose to live this way, and
taken for a Gray Wolf or Red Wolf, it is a distinct species. wolves certainly do not want a life of solitude. A lone wolf
The Eastern Wolf is closely related to the other wolves, but is searching for another wolf and a place to belong. They
it is a small to medium sized wolf with light brown or red- need the friendship of the pack, a lifelong bond and sup-
dish fur. They can be easily mistaken for coyotes. The wolf’s port system. They are successful through the cooperation
average length is about 5 ½ feet and males may weigh 67 of the pack and struggle when on their own. The loss of the
pounds. alpha male, or alpha female, can cause the pack to dissolve
because they are the ones that manage the pack cohesion
Eastern wolves live in family packs and are intelligent hunt- and order.
ers who depend on their social organization and team-
work. They are loyal to their pack and defend their territory Though one does not expect to have an encounter with a
against other packs and predators. They are most active at wolf in our neighborhoods, if you should have the oppor-
night and communicate with howls, growls, and barks. tunity, this information will provide you with background
details to think about while you quietly observe the wild
Difference between Wolves and Coyotes: animal, and back away slowly.
Size and body build are the two most obvious differences
between wolves and coyotes. The wolf’s body is heavier with
a wider face and larger feet. Wolf paw prints average five
inches long while a coyote paw might be half that length.
While in Alaska, I saw a paw print in the mud that was about
six inches long (see photo). If you are close enough to ob-
serve the ears, notice if they are pointy and long (coyote) or
rounded and shorter (wolf). Listen to them communicate
and notice long, low howls of wolves or short, high-pitched
yelps, yips, and howls of coyotes. If you are really close, note
the size of the nose pad, which will be large on a wolf, but it
is not recommended to be this close!

Are Eastern Wolves Dangerous?
These animals are elusive, mostly nocturnal, and do not
hunt humans. Even though humans are not on their menu,
wolves should be treated with respect and considered un- Coyote Face Wolf Face
predictable wild animals. Human deaths due to wolf attacks

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