The very young, the very old, and those moose prone to predation because of illness or injury are the most likely prey. By culling weak and old, wolves contribute to the health of the moose population. When predators decrease, the number of prey increases and the dynamic cycle begins again. In lean years, the pack's reproduction and survival rates may fall off dramatically, but they usually increase when the moose in an aging population are more easily caught. So wolf and moose are held in balance.
Wolves are highly intelligent and social animals that form extremely organized packs.
Every individual from the dominant pair to the weakest pup has a specific place in the pack hierarchy. Wolves are distinguished from other wild canines by their size. Its size is accentuated by the heavy grey coat of fur and mane-like ruff around the head. A wild wolf's normal life-span is 6 to 8 years and some individuals may live 12 years. Pack size varies from 2 to 15 individuals.