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No animal has influenced humans quite like the wolf. Revered as deities in Norse mythology, wolves also played a pivotal role in the legendary tale of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. Most notably, wolves were the first animals to be domesticated by humans, an event that remains a mystery, having occurred over 10,000 years ago. They have been both our closest companions and most formidable adversaries, yet there is still much to learn about them.
10. The Black Wolf
Fact: Black wolves are not a naturally occurring phenomenon.
A 2008 study at Stanford University discovered that the mutation responsible for black fur is exclusive to dogs, meaning that black wolves are the result of gray wolves mating with domestic dogs. This mutation is a dominant trait, similar to dark hair in humans, and it is typically inherited by the majority of offspring. While the advantages of black fur remain unclear, black wolves appear to have enhanced immunity to certain infections, though they don't seem to have any greater success as hunters. Black wolves are more prevalent in North America than anywhere else in the world.
9. Hybrid Wolves
Fact: A significant portion of coyotes are actually wolf hybrids.
In regions where wolves have been largely eradicated, coyotes have flourished. In recent years, large populations have moved eastward, settling in suburban areas and even major cities such as New York and Chicago. Genetic testing on 100 coyotes trapped in Maine found that 22 had wolf ancestry. Coywolves are generally larger than regular coyotes, but smaller than wolves. They are known for their cleverness and display a fearless attitude towards human civilization, similar to coyotes, while also retaining the wolf’s instinct for pack hunting and aggression.
8. Cannibalism
Fact: Cannibalism is a frequent occurrence among wolves.
Wolves are highly opportunistic predators and will seize any chance to hunt. In some of the most brutal environments on earth, they sometimes resort to eating sick or injured members of their pack. Any wolf that dies becomes a potential meal. Wolves trapped in snares must be quickly rescued by hunters, or they risk being torn apart by other wolves. When two packs meet, they often clash in fatal battles, with the alpha males frequently being killed. In some cases, they are even consumed by their own offspring.
7. Extreme Weight
Fact: The heaviest wolves can weigh up to 200lbs.
The size of wolves increases significantly the farther they are from the equator. Wolves in tropical areas often resemble medium-sized dogs, but those from the far north, including Alaska, Canada, and Russia, can exceed 120lbs. The largest wolf ever recorded in North America, killed in Alaska in 1939, weighed 175lbs. A larger wolf, weighing 190lbs, was killed in the former Ukrainian SSR. There are rumors of wolves exceeding 200lbs, likely alpha males in regions with a constant food supply.
6. Rabid Wolves
Fact: Rabid wolves are highly dangerous.
While wolves are not a primary carrier of rabies, they can contract the virus from other animals such as raccoons and foxes. Unlike other species that may show signs of lethargy and disorientation, wolves react violently almost immediately after becoming infected. Many attacks on humans have been linked to rabid wolves. Although such incidents have decreased significantly over time, they still occur annually. While treatments are available for those bitten by rabid animals, the wolf’s tendency to bite near the head and neck means that the virus often reaches the brain before medical help can be administered.
5. American Wolves
Fact: Wolves in North America are less likely to attack humans compared to those in other parts of the world.
There are very few confirmed records of wolf attacks in the US and Canada, but wolves in Europe and Asia have a much more fearsome reputation. Historical records from 1580 to 1830 indicate that over 3,000 people were killed by wolves in France alone. In medieval Europe, special refuges were constructed along roads to provide safety from wandering packs. Wolves in India and Russia are also notorious for attacking humans. During World War I, soldiers from both the Allied and Central Forces sometimes had to cooperate to fend off hungry wolves drawn to the scent of blood on the battlefield.
4. Dog Eaters
Fact: Wolves find dogs a tasty treat.
Despite their close relation (essentially the same species) and ability to interbreed, many wolves consider dogs to be prey. In a fight, even large dogs are usually no match for wolves, as wolves of similar size have larger teeth and a more powerful bite. In Russia, where stray dogs have become a major issue since the collapse of the Soviet Union, they are frequently preyed upon by wolves. A lone wolf will often lure a dog into an ambush set by the rest of the pack. Only the strongest and most aggressive livestock guardians, like Caucasian Shepherds, have a chance of defending themselves.
3. Eaten Alive
Fact: Wolves consume their prey while it's still alive.
As previously mentioned, wolves will eat almost anything to survive, but their primary target is large ungulates like deer, moose, and elk. Unlike bears or big cats, wolves lack the physical strength to quickly kill such large animals. Instead, they wear down their prey through coordinated attacks, with the entire pack swarming and tearing at the hindquarters and abdomen, relentlessly biting and slashing until their victim succumbs to exhaustion. They begin feeding almost immediately, even though the prey may still be alive for some time.
2. Smallpox
Fact: Smallpox also had its toll.
Smallpox, introduced by European settlers, wreaked havoc on the native populations of the Americas. With no prior exposure, their immune systems were vulnerable, leading to a devastating death rate of 80 to 90 percent among those infected. Swedish naturalist Peter Kalm, who visited America in 1748, recorded that smallpox was particularly devastating along the East Coast in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War. Wolves, recognizing an opportunity, invaded Native American villages, feeding on the bodies of the deceased and the sick. Though many Native Americans held wolves in high regard, they also feared them, especially in forested areas where a sudden encounter was possible.
1. Humans on the Menu
Fact: The Black Plague made humans a target for wolves.
The Black Plague, which ravaged Europe during the Middle Ages, likely played a significant role in shaping the tense relationship between wolves and humans. With bodies piling up faster than they could be properly disposed of, wolves began to congregate at the outskirts of towns, feasting on the deceased. Over time, this behavior may have led them to view humans as potential prey. The horrific sight of wolves scavenging the dead fueled the superstitions of the era, giving rise to tales of werewolves, vampires, and ghouls, furthering the fear surrounding these animals.
