It faces the threat of extinction due entirely to human behavior based on our misunderstandings. Our society has feared the wolf, creating the image of a monster, yet we surround ourselves with the protection and companionship of dogs, which are direct descendants of the big bad wolf. Man's best friend, the domestic dog, is the closest relative of the wolf. The wolf is believed to be the sole ancestor of all domesticated dogs. The domestication process began approximately 10,000 years ago and dogs still maintain some behaviors from their wild ancestors the wolf.
Wolves have an incredible strength and endurance.
Their jaws are powerful enough to crack open the femur bone of an adult bison. They can trot for hours, easily covering 50 miles a day. And they can reach speeds of 40 miles per hour. Wolves also have a superior sensory mechanism. Their hearing is acute and their vision detects movement long before human eyes.