Reduced to small, isolated populations in most of the US excluding Alaska, Western Europe and parts of Eastern Europe and Asia. Tundra, forest, open plain and even to the edges of deserts. Body is slender and muscular. Most common colors are buff tans grizzled with gray and black. Height is 26 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder.
Females seek out or dig dens in which to bear their young.
Breeding season is late January to mid February with a gestation period of 63 days. Usually 4 to 7 young are born. Females mature in 2 years, males mature in 2 to 3 years. Wolves live 10 to 16 years in the wild. In summer they may also prey on beaver and other small mammals.