Mated pairs are the basic unit of maned wolf social organization. Even then, pairs may not spend much time together within their territory. Some South Americans believe that the bark of the maned wolf portends rain. In areas sparsely populated by people, however, maned wolves may be diurnal as well. Maned wolves are taller than they are long, giving them the appearance of being on stilts.
Local legend has it that maned wolves can kill chickens with a stare.
In captivity, maned wolves have a life span of between 12 and 15 years. Life span in the wild is probably much shorter, but is not known with certainty. According to some field researchers, male maned wolves may take an especially active role in helping to raise the one to five pups in a normal litter. Like many canid species, maned wolves use urine and feces to mark territory. Maned wolf urine is especially strong smelling to humans and has a musky, almost skunk-like odor.