All gray wolf populations in the lower 48 states are listed as endangered except in Minnesota, where they are listed as threatened. Populations in Alaska are unlisted.
Wolves range in color from grizzled gray or black to all-white.
As the ancestor of the domestic dog, the gray wolf resembles German shepherds or huskies. The wolf is the largest member of the canine family. On average, wolves stand 26 to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 115 pounds. Females are usually slightly smaller. There are an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 wolves in Alaska and 2,700 in the lower 48 states.