Wolf packs usually hunt within a specific territory. The average wolf territory is about 10 square miles x the number of pack members. The wolf's great hunting skills lies in its determination and ability to seek out vulnerable prey. Wolves often cover large areas to do so, travelling as far as 30 miles in a day. Although they usually trot along at 5 mph, wolves can attain speeds as high as 45 mph.
Wolves prey on ungulates - elk, deer, moose, bison and caribou.
Wolves focus their hunt on the weakest among these animals - culling the old, sick, injured or young from ungulate herds, which helps keep these herds healthier as a whole. Of course, wolves are opportunists and will sometimes kill healthy animals if safe opportunities arise. Hunting elk and moose is dangerous as one kick can result in a broken leg or other injuries leading to the death of the wolf. Wolves support a wide variety of other animals. Ravens, foxes, coyotes, martins, wolverines, vultures, and even bears and eagles feed on the remains of animals killed by wolves.