Wolf

Scientific name: Canis lupus
The wolf is the largest representative of the Canidae family, the sole and unique ancestor of the dog. It is related to the fox and the jackal. Thanks to its 10 cm-long muzzle, the wolf can detect the smell of prey from a 2,5 km-distance in favourable conditions. It distinguishes itself from the dog through the following characteristics: the eyes are set obliquely, farther away than in the case of the dog. The ears are smaller and have sharp tips, always pointing upwards. It has a shorter, thicker and stronger neck. Wolves have long hair that varies in colour from off-white to brown and even coal-black. In Romania, wolves are generally grizzled-grey in colour. The fur is disposed in 2 protctive layers: the first layer is composed of protective coarse guard hairs that are 6-10 cm in length, and the undercoat, which is lost during the summer. The moulting of the fur takes place in late spring. The wolf lives approximately 10 years. The weight of an adult wolf in Romania varies between 35 and 60 kg. The length of the body is 110-150 cm, and that of the tail, 30-35 cm. The height at the withers is 50-70 cm. Wolves aren’t solitary animals - they usually live in packs. Most packs are composed of the leading pair (the alpha male and alpha female) and their offspring (up to 3 years old). Sometimes other wolves, the relatives of the alphas, can appear. Generally, the favourite natural habitats of the wolf are very fragmented, fact which leads to an increased sensitivity of the population of this species.
Where can be found:
Groșii Țibleșului (SiteCode ROSCI0411)

Munții Trascăului ( SiteCode ROSPA0087)

Category
Protected species