Maned wolves range through Brazil and into northern Argentina and Paraguay. Unlike true wolves, the maned wolf tends to be a solitary hunter. Maned wolves are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of plants and fruit including bananas, guavas, sugar cane, bulbs, and roots. It is also called lobo crinado, red wolf, and giant fox. With a shoulder height of 29 inches, the maned wolf is as tall as the borzoi breed of domestic dog.
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.