Things are looking up for the gray wolf. Possibly as soon as next year it may no longer be considered an endangered species, but it hasn't been an easy road back. Also known as the timber wolf, it once roamed all over North America, from the southern swamps to the northern tundra. Now, although its numbers continue to rise, the gray wolf is found mainly in Canada and Alaska.
Gray wolves are the largest members of the canine family.
Adult footprints can be more than 4 inches long and nearly as wide. Their haunting howls, which can be heard by other wolves from as far as six miles away, and their predatory attacks in packs have boosted their reputation as vicious killers. In truth, they prey on small mammals, such as beavers or rabbits, or the occasional deer, elk and moose, which takes a pack of a dozen or so to bring down. Attacks on people are virtually nonexistent, as are raids on livestock. When it comes to their packs and families, gray wolves are actually rather thoughtful and caring.