There are many variations of wolf, the most common being subspecies of the gray wolf which is found throughout Europe and North America. In most areas, all species are endangered. Some such as the Mexican and Ethiopian wolves shown here, number less than 100 left. While in some areas of Canada there was a bounty on wolves through the mid-eighties, these bounties have been lifted and in their place are now laws protecting them from harm, with fines replacing the rewards that were once given for killing a wolf. The wolf is a highly social animal, generally living within the same pack for most, if not all, of its life.
Survival depends very much upon the pack.
The members of the pack cooperate in hunting, killing large prey, feeding and caring for the young, defending their territory against other packs, and more. The pack functions as a strong autocratic system, with each individual having fought for its rank within the group. Generally only the top male and female are permitted to breed, while any attempts to do so by others are punished. When to hunt, where to hunt, and many other activities are determined by the pack leaders. Most packs occupy a range of about 80 to 100 square miles, and move about it on a regular basis.