Does a wolf have a mustache? Wolves of six subspecies are found in Russia
What do people know about wolves? What qualities of a wolf first come to mind when talking about these animals? Surely you think that they are dangerous and cruel, insidious and treacherous. However, those who know almost nothing about the life of these animals think this way. In this article we will try to talk a little more about them. Perhaps some interesting fact about wolves will make you change your attitude towards them.
Genus Lupus (wolves)
This genus includes wolves, jackals, coyotes, and dogs. These are the largest representatives of wolves. It also includes all arctic foxes, foxes, maned wolves and
Each wolf is endowed with its own character - there are individuals who are cautious, self-confident and daring, some of them behave naturally and freely in the company of their fellow tribesmen, while others prefer to stay in the shadow of their more active relatives.
Wolves live on the plains of the northern hemisphere, as well as in the mountains and forests. Unfortunately, in some countries they are completely exterminated. And in Antarctica, white wolves are on the verge of extinction. They are listed in the International Red Book. Hunting these animals is prohibited.
These predators live in various landscapes - forests, tundra, mountains and steppes. They are predominantly sedentary animals, but at the same time they roam very long distances in search of food. As biologists say, in the wild they occupy their niche. In their habitats, wolves are typically the largest group of predators that prey on large mammals.
External characteristics
A male wolf usually weighs about fifty kilograms, a female wolf is five kilograms lighter. The height at the withers of an adult is 75 cm, and the body length can be up to two meters. This is, of course, average data.
Wolves have thick, coarse fur with undercoat. The color may vary. There are gray, black, red, red, and white wolves.
Lifestyle
Wolves are animals that prefer to live in families. Any pack of wolves has its own “charter”, in which everyone has their own role. Aggressive and strong young people rule, and those who need a firm hand obey them.
A wolf pack, in which the animals are related, is led by a wolf and a she-wolf. The rest of its members, mainly their offspring (from very stupid puppies to 3-year-old teenagers), obey them. Sometimes strangers join the flock, having left their flock for some reason. Typically, up to 15 animals live in such a family.
Endurance and vitality of wolves
These qualities of a wolf deserve special attention. A hungry predator without food can remain active for up to ten days. The wounded animal moves several kilometers away from the hunters. Surrounded hunting dogs, it fiercely defends itself until last breath. And a wolf, caught in a trap, bites off its paw to escape from its pursuers.
There is a known case when a wolf, which broke its paw during a hunt, lay motionless on the ground for 17 days, after which it stood up and continued searching for prey. The will to live of wolves is amazing.
But they have small weaknesses, which experienced hunters know about. Surprisingly, these brave predators are lost at the sight of a rag that flutters in front of their muzzle. This feature led to the appearance of flags. Hunters, having discovered a wolf pack, surround it around the perimeter with a rope with scraps of any fabric hung on it. The wolves, seeing the waving flags, do not dare to jump for them, and the hunters shoot at the animals at point-blank range.
And one more fact. A wolf in the forest never attacks people first. He avoids people, prefers to stay away from him.
Wolf's Lair
The wolf's hole is quite simple. As a rule, it has one entrance. In the forest-steppe regions of Siberia, they have a depth of about four meters, the diameter of the entrance is about 50 cm.
In Transbaikalia, researchers observed how wolves dig tarbagan holes in the fall, and in the spring they discovered wolf litters in them. One of these holes was more than five meters long, forty centimeters wide and twenty-five centimeters high. The nest inside the hole was half filled with dry grass litter. It contained tarbagan skins.
In the Far North, these predators build burrows along the banks of streams and rivers. In these areas, the soil is well drained and there is no permafrost, so it is easy to dig a hole.
Many holes can be found near the summer pastures of deer. As a rule, wolves wander behind herds of these animals. Before the puppies appear, they move forward, closer to their burrows, where the deer also come, but a little later.
Wolf howl
Each hole is inhabited by one pair of wolves, and they gather into a pack using the means of communication available to them - howl. This is not just the voice of a predator, it is an encrypted message with certain signals. The howl can be attractive (especially during the mating season), calling. It can be heard when the leader calls the pack to hunt. The howl can be a response when members of the pack respond to the call of the leader. It can be dying and, finally, entertainment. Oddly enough, wolves often howl for no apparent reason, probably what their wolf soul asks for.
Social order of the pack
Most strong wolf becomes the leader of the pack. His faithful friend, the she-wolf, helps him manage. In order for pack members to obey them, leaders must have strong character. All decisions that concern the life of the family are made by the wolf and the she-wolf together. In a pack where the leader keeps order, males never fight among themselves. But strangers who violate the boundaries of property are usually severely punished. A wolf pack goes out to hunt only in its own limited territory. The owners guard and mark her very jealously. This is a warning to neighbors that they should stay away from this land.
Sometimes in large packs one wolf is poisoned by all his brothers for unknown reasons. Sometimes it becomes difficult for a rejected animal to live in a family, and he leaves it. He becomes a wandering loner. True, he has a chance to create his own pack if he meets the same lone wolf. If these animals want to rule the pack, they must completely subjugate all its members to their will and force them to obey the laws of the family.
How does a leader rule?
A pack of wolves unconditionally accepts the leadership of the leader. He dominates the males, and his girlfriend keeps order among the she-wolves. The leader never tires of reminding his subordinates who is the master in the pack - he growls at them, bites them, even knocks them down, doing this in front of the whole family.
As a rule, one close and stern look from the leader or his wolf is enough for those he targets to submit. Grinning, and rather ingratiatingly, the wolves fall to the ground, and then, if they succeed, sneaking away from the place of punishment. Sometimes they lie on their backs, as if to say: “We agree that you are the most important.”
An interesting fact about wolves - the position of a predator in a pack can be judged by the way it holds its tail. The leader always has it raised high. For ordinary “subjects” it is omitted. And those individuals who are at the lowest level in the pack tuck their tail between their legs.
Family members show their love and respect for the leader and his mate in a welcoming ceremony. With ears flattened, crawling and fur smoothed, they crawl up to them, lick and gently nibble their faces.
Wild wolves are loyal animals
Probably not everyone knows that wolves are one of the most loyal animals. These powerful predators become very attached to their pack mates. They express their emotions and feelings through body movements and facial expressions. Thanks to the “wolf tongue,” the pack unites and acts as one. They express their tenderness and sympathy by licking each other, while rubbing their muzzles.
Why does a wolf need a tail?
Not everyone knows that a wolf's tail is a kind of indicator that expresses its feelings. If it is raised high and the tip is slightly curved, then this means that the wolf is quite confident in its abilities. A friendly animal lowers its tail, but its very tip is raised up. A wolf with its tail between its legs is either afraid of something or communicating its submission.
Wolf the family man
Only specialists know this interesting fact about wolves. These dangerous predators experience a strong emotional attachment. They are monogamous - they choose their mate once and for life.
It must be said that a wolf is an ideal family man. He doesn’t create scandals, doesn’t cheat on his she-wolf, doesn’t break up with her, doesn’t have a young “mistress” on the side, and brings all the spoils to the family.
Wild wolves love their cubs very much. The wolf cubs are cared for not only by their parents, but by the entire pack.
The attitude of the ancients towards the wolf
This beast is sometimes called mythical. IN ancient times he was revered and respected for his courage, endurance, and ingenuity. Many warlike tribes perceived him as their ancestor. During the heyday of patriarchy, he was compared to a groom, a bride kidnapper.
For our ancestors, the wolf was like a mediator between gods and people. It was considered a talisman against evil. When the wolf became the faithful companion of St. George the Victorious, he began to be perceived as a solar deity.
Apollo, the ancient Greek god of light, was sometimes called Apollo the Wolf. The ferocious predator was the sacred animal of the god Upuaut in Ancient Egypt.
In the myths of the Scandinavian peoples, wolves are called “the dogs of Odin.” Romulus and Remus, who founded Great Rome, were suckled by a she-wolf sent by Mars.
A wolf is a predatory animal belonging to the canine (canine) family. In science, we often encounter names such as common wolf and a gray wolf.
The wolf is considered the largest representative of the canine family. Its length reaches 1.5 meters without a tail, and up to 2 meters with a tail.
The height of a wolf from the ground to the seventh vertebra can be 0.9 meters, and its weight can reach 90 kilograms.
General characteristics of the species
According to some studies, the possibility of the origin of a dog from a wolf has been established. In ancient times, wolves were often tamed by people, as a result of which a new species was formed, which is currently the pet of many people.
Not so long ago, the places where wolves live were vast (Asia, Europe, America, etc.), total individuals of this species were at the proper level. Currently, the spread of the wolf has slowed down, and, one might say, has gone in the opposite direction.
This is primarily due to the decrease in forest areas where the wolf directly lives. In addition, the wolf is a tasty prey for poachers, which also affected their numbers.
In the main habitats of the wolf, hunting for wolves is prohibited, but currently there are still areas where hunting for wolves continues legally.
The wolf is, in a sense, the orderly of the forest. It rids forest areas of sick and weak animals, which has a great effect on general state gene pool.
There are two types of wolves in Russia: tundra and common. Their total number is 32 subspecies.
Origin of the word "Wolf"
This word comes from the verb “to drag.” After a wolf kills its prey, it may grab it with its teeth and drag (drag) it to the location of its offspring. Hence the name.
Evolution of the species
The wolf began its evolution in ancient times in North America. There lived animals that were similar in appearance to the coyote and were called Canis Lepophagus. This animal lived together with another species of the canine family – borophages. They inhabited the same territory as Canis Lepophagus, and their rivalry interfered with the normal existence of both species.
Over time, the borophages became extinct, which gave the ancestor of the wolf the opportunity to develop intensively and enter a new stage of evolution. Thus, the brain and body of Canis Lepophagus subsequently increased in size, and its development began at a rapid pace.
About 1.8 million years ago, the ancestor of the wolf became minimally similar to the current wolf. Paleontologists discovered its remains in Eurasia and gave it the name Canis Priscolatrans.
The latter received maximum similarity with the modern wolf a little later, having gone through another stage of evolution. This new subspecies was named Canis Mosbachensis. Its existence continued for a long time.
About 500 thousand years ago, the modern wolf appeared, the evolution of which continues to this day.
Description of the modern wolf
The size of a wolf and its appearance depend on the climate in which it lives. The diversity of the animal world that surrounds it is also important.
If there are very few potential victims of a wolf where he lives, then this will affect his health, and accordingly his appearance and size.
The average height of an ordinary wolf at the withers is in the range of 65-90 cm. The average weight of a wolf has a large spread and can range from 30 to 90 kg. According to some reports, there are individuals weighing more than 90 kg.
One of the wolf subspecies is the Arabian wolf, weighing no more than 10-15 kg. This is the most little wolf in the world.
Usually female wolves fewer males by about 20%.
A wolf travels from birth to maturity in an average of 3 years.
The difference between a wolf and a dog
The wolf differs from the dog in having stronger and higher legs. Moreover, the wolf’s paw itself is also much larger than that of a dog. The wolf's skull is wider, the muzzle is also wider, and more extended forward. The wolf has a lot of hair on the sides of its head, and its eyes are narrow.
The wolf's nose is extended forward, and its lower part is slightly expanded.
The wolf has approximately 42 teeth: 20 teeth on the upper jaw and 22 teeth on the lower jaw. There are two fangs on both jaws.
The wolf's fur is very thick and has a certain rigidity, which allows it to protect itself from inclement weather, dampness and humidity. In addition, the abundance of wool helps to cope with winter cold.
Closer to summer, the wolf sheds excess fur, so it becomes too hot for the animal in summer.
Wolf subspecies have different colors, which depend on the habitat of the predator. For example, a wolf that lives in the forest is gray-brown in color, in the tundra it is white, and in the desert it is gray-red.
All these differences between a wolf and a dog are clearly visible in the photo below.
Wolf eyes
Mostly wolves have yellow eyes. In very rare cases, a wolf's eye color can be green, blue-green or brown.
Although small wolf cubs have blue eyes for 2-3 months after birth, which then gradually changes to yellow.
Wolf sense of smell
The wolf's sense of smell has incredible power. A wolf can smell the scent of its prey while being at a distance of 3 km from it.
At the same time, a wolf's nose is capable of distinguishing millions of different smells. Therefore, a wolf’s sense of smell is its main reference point.
What do wolves eat?
Into the diet modern wolf included large mammals animal species (elk, deer, bison, etc.). However, the wolf is not lazy to chase smaller species, such as hare, roe deer, various kinds rodents.
Still, most of the wolf's diet comes from dying and sick animals, as well as carrion.
These are ready sources of food that do not require special labor to obtain them, so wolves use this very willingly.
Useful information about the wolf
On average, a wolf lives about 10 years;
Wolves do not live alone, they are always with their pack. At the same time, in a flock there is a male and a female, who are the parents of the entire flock;
The wolf is a predatory animal, and their main prey is large mammals, which they hunt in an organized manner as a whole pack;
These predators are on this moment in danger. Their total number has decreased greatly over Lately, due to illegal hunting by poachers and reduction of forest areas;
The average wolf while running can reach a speed of 45 km/h;
The wolf's endurance is very high. He can chase his prey for a long time (12 hours or more);
There are situations (very rarely) when a wolf leaves the pack, or is expelled from there by other members of the pack due to illness;
The wolf is the most major representative of his family.
Photo of a wolf
The fur is thick and long (up to 8 cm); the undercoat is formed by hard, long black guard hairs at the ends, which repel water, which is why the wolf's undercoat does not get wet. The hair of animals from the middle and southern regions is coarse, while those from the northern regions are quite fluffy and soft.
Wolves moult twice a year. Spring molting in the north begins in the second half of April and lasts until June. Thinning of the winter fur begins from the nape and sides, while at the same time the hair on the rump falls off. Gradually, the hair change spreads to the ridge and back of the body. Autumn molting in the north covers the period from late August to late October, sometimes until mid-November.
Lifespan: Wolves can live 12-16 years; many of them die of hunger, others die from a variety of diseases to which they are susceptible in the same way as dogs.
Eating behavior: On average, wolves eat 4.5 kg of meat per day, and in case of successful harvest they can eat up to 9 kg. A wolf requires at least 1.5 kg of food per day, and about 2.3 kg for successful reproduction. Ideas about the extreme gluttony of the wolf are exaggerated and are explained by the fact that predators, having caught one or another large animal and having had enough, take away the remaining meat and hide it, so that it seems that the prey was eaten at one time. Wolves are hardy animals and can go without food for two weeks or more.
Behavior
In most cases, the wolf confines itself to a den, much less often (mainly in open area- steppes, tundra, etc.) settles in burrows, adapting old burrows of marmots, foxes, badgers, arctic foxes. For a den, he usually uses natural shelters - depressions under the roots of an inverted tree, among a windbreak, a rock cleft or the slope of a ravine, etc. The den is located in the most remote place, difficult for humans to reach - in an overgrown ravine, on a mane among a vast swamp or in a dense small forests on its outskirts, etc. If there is a lack of convenient places, especially in the steppe regions, but sometimes even in the forest zone, the den is made in the remains of hay or straw. The den is used with great consistency from year to year, and only the complete extermination of the brood leads to the disappearance of wolves from of this paragraph for a number of years. A permanent den serves only for the period of raising young ones, and during the rest of the year, wolves lead a more or less wandering life. However, in the middle zone, migrations do not leave the boundaries of the hunting area and only in the tundra and steppes are more widespread.
The wolf has a well-developed sense of smell and hearing, which helps it easily find prey. In the wind, he picks up the scent of even the smallest animal located 1-2 kilometers away. Having heard a noise, the wolf moves its ears and determines where the sound comes from.
Wolves can be found in different time days, but they are most active at night and at dusk. Most often, wolves move at a walk or trot, less often at a gallop, and in some cases, at a short distance, they move to a quarry. The chain of traces is distinguished by its straightness, and each individual print has a clear outline.
A pack of wolves moves in single file, exactly like a trail, and only at turns and stopping places can you find out the number of animals. Thanks to its strong muscular paws, the wolf can trot for a long time at a speed of 9 km/h, and in pursuit of deer and elk it accelerates to 60 km/h.
Wolves have a well-developed sign language (facial expressions, position and movements of the tail, head, ears, body, etc.), which unites the pack and helps it act together. A welcoming ceremony is also obligatory in the pack, when the members of the pack express their respect to the leader - they approach him crawling with their ears flattened and their fur smoothed, licking and carefully biting his face.
Hunting behavior: Wolves are very highly developed predators. They have great physical strength, endurance and agility. When wolves hunt in packs, they distribute responsibilities among themselves: part of the pack drives the prey, while the other sits in ambush. The hunting methods of wolves are extremely varied and depend both on the conditions of the area, the type of prey, and on the experience of a particular individual or pack. Thus, in winter, wolves often drive ungulates onto crust or frozen ponds, where it is easier for them to catch up and overpower even strong prey. Some packs drive their prey into natural dead ends: tree debris, scattered stones, ravines, etc. Like foxes, wolves can “mouse” while hunting for small rodents and insectivores. A characteristic feature of the feeding behavior of wolves, like many other predators, is the hoarding of food. It has long been known that a wolf never hunts near its nest; this is precisely what can explain the observation of young roe deer and wolf cubs playing together in the same clearing.
Depending on the results of the hunt, the night journey is 25-40 km, but if necessary it can be much longer. As indicated, in the central zone of the country, even in the autumn-winter period, migrations go beyond the permanent hunting area of a given pair or family. In the tundra and in the Asian steppes and deserts, wolf migrations cover much larger areas and often take on the character long-distance migrations following the herds reindeer, roe deer, etc. In the mountains there are regular seasonal movements of wolves from one plant belt to another. For example, in the Caucasus, wolves in summer and autumn stay mainly in the alpine and subalpine zones, and in the winter they migrate down to the fir and beech forests, where there is less snow and the main wintering grounds of ungulates are concentrated. In addition to regular seasonal movements, there are known cases of sudden appearance of large numbers of wolves in some areas.
Wolves are animals that are known to everyone predators. About wolves There are many fairy tales and sayings that describe him either as a ferocious beast or as a domesticated animal. In fact, the wolf cannot be classified as either one or the other.
Wolf is an animal, which is a mammal from the order Canidae. According to research, it is he who is the ancestor of the domestic one. They grow about 160 centimeters in length and weigh 60 kilograms.
Today this animal has more than 35 subspecies of its genus. “Relatives” live in different parts of the world. All of them different sizes and color, but they have one thing in common - they are predators!
In appearance, the wolf resembles a large, pointy-eared dog. The paws are tall and thin, they can hardly be called massive. The withers are set high, the muzzle is large, which distinguishes this genus from dogs.
Wolves have a good ability to adapt. They can travel long distances and still feel at home. These predators have an excellent sense of smell and acute hearing. They can smell their prey 2-3 kilometers away.
Below in the photo there is a wolf, has thick and beautiful fur. It consists of two layers: the inner down and outer long hairs. They are tough and repel water well. This representative of the animal world has a large and thick tail, which is always lowered down.
A wolf's teeth are sharp as a blade; it is with them that he tears apart his prey. Plus, teeth are a wolf’s defense against other predators. Speaking about wolves, we need to mention their special voice. Unlike all animals, they can make different sounds:
- Grunt;
- Whistling;
- Squeal;
- Whining.
Listen to the wolf growl
Habitat and lifestyle of the wolf
Wild wolves —formidable predators, whose habitat extends over almost the entire Northern Hemisphere. Representatives of this species could be found in Belarus, Alaska, and so on.
Wolves can live in absolutely different areas, but prefer forest-steppes, tundra, steppes, and semi-deserts. They also love forest areas. High humidity The wolf won't like it. They can calmly settle close to people and approach them at close distances.
Wolves live in packs, which always have a leader. He chooses for himself the best female. In summer and spring, the flock breaks up, but all animals remain in their territory. The best place goes to the leader and his companion. The remaining members of the pack either pair up or begin to lead a wandering lifestyle. Wolves mark territory like dogs.
Typically, one flock occupies an average of 50 kilometers. At night, but not every day, wolves start singing in chorus. The leader begins to howl, then the others join him. Thus, wolves show cohesion and belonging to the pack.
The life of wolves, as animals, can be classified as nocturnal. Very often these predators make themselves known by starting to howl loudly. When hunting, a wolf can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h and run about 70 kilometers.
Before they start hunting, wolves often begin to howl. Sometimes they thus warn their fellows about the upcoming hunt. The leader of the pack gives a battle cry - this is the beginning of their action.
Wolf character
Wolves, as a rule, do not have a hot temper. Of course, it’s hard to call them friendly. A wolf pack always defends together, just as it hunts.
Males always protect females and young animals. If a female or a wolf cub is attacked by a predator many times larger, not a single wolf will stand aside. He will rush to protect them, no matter the cost. This is life of an animal - a wolf.
Wolves are indifferent towards other predators. Of course, they don't like animals that try to hunt in their territory. But they don’t just get into a fight.
There are legends about wolves as bloodthirsty animals, but in reality everything is completely different! Animal world wolves designed so that they are diligent family men who hunt to feed themselves.
Nutrition and reproduction
What kind of animal is a wolf?? The wolf is a clear representative of carnivores. He resorts to plant foods in extreme cases, when there is no food at all. An adult consumes from 2 to 6 kilograms of meat at a time. These predators have a habit of hoarding food for later.
Even though the wolf is very voracious, it is capable of starving for a long time. The main diet of wolves includes sheep, ,.
In fact, these predators eat all the animals they can get. The difference in feeding of wolves directly depends on their habitat. Wolves are monogamous creatures, so their marriages usually last for many years. From two to three years the animal is ready to reproduce.
The mating season occurs from January to April, depending on the habitat. At this time, the situation in the pack is heating up. The dominant male and female protect each other from other members.
The remaining males begin to actively court the she-wolves and fight for them. Typically, a female produces only one offspring per year. Pregnancy lasts about 65 days. There are from 3 to 13 puppies in a litter. During the feeding period, the female does not move far from her burrow and protects it in every possible way. The father wolf does not participate in the life of the cubs during this period.
After milk feeding, the whole pack makes sure that the wolf cubs are well-fed. Any wolf shares his piece with the kids. Depending on their habitat, puppies may remain in the pack or leave to look for new territory.
Species of wolves
There are more than 35 subspecies, but only a few of them are worth noting; they are interesting for their lifestyle and behavior. These include:
- White wolf - animal famous, which differs from its fellows in beauty. Usually hides from enemies. He has an easy-going and peaceful character. He does not like to meet people and often sits in his hole. Being a hermit, he prefers to live in the tundra and the Arctic.
- Black wolf - animal, which looks like a pointy-eared dog. Because of its appearance, people often confuse it with pets. This subspecies lives in Alaska and North America.
- Red wolf - animal, which may outwardly resemble a kutsuyu. Compared to its brothers, it is small in size. His weight is only about 21 kilograms. The peculiarity of these predators is their habitat – mountains.
- Steppenwolf - animal small in size, which, judging by the name of the species, lives in the steppes. Favorite places to live are cliff lines along river banks. They feed on hares and partridges. They most often live in fox holes.
In the photo there is a white wolf
Keeping a wolf at home
Making a wolf a pet is almost impossible. You need to realize that the wolf is a predator that can consider human flesh as food. Taming may take a long time, but if it succeeds, the wolf will become your best friend and protector. He will always be a danger to you, your family, and your guests.
If you decide to get a wolf, then the first thing you need to do is surround the wolf cub with love and care. You can’t shout at him and, of course, hit him. Wolf is an animal of the forest, so it is necessary to provide him with personal space. In general, of course, it’s difficult to imagine wolf as a pet.
It is recommended to feed the wolf with fresh meat and fish. Give the animal a lot of time and attention; the animal should feel your love. You need to play with a wolf like a dog and train it.
In the photo there is a red wolf
We must not forget that this is a predator and it is dangerous to humans. In the wild, people often hunt these animals for their skins, although wolf hunt banned in many countries. Although most of these predators pose absolutely no danger to humans.
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The development of nature in recent millennia is closely interconnected with the development human society. Climate change and human intervention in nature entail global changes life of living beings. Therefore, the study of life in nature, solving problems of animal survival, and timely assistance to them is necessary.
Tyler Miller, in his program for universal environmental education, outlined a number of principles that you need to know in order to save the Earth.
Nature is not only more complex than we think, it is much more complex than we can imagine.
Everything in nature is interconnected and we all live in it together.
We are a valuable species, but no more important than others; All living beings, including humans, have their own significance.
Each Living being has the right to life simply because it is alive; the existence of this right does not depend on its usefulness to us.
It is unworthy for a person to be the cause of the extinction of species existing in nature.
What do people know about wolves? That they are fierce and dangerous, treacherous and treacherous. That they must be destroyed. This is how those who know nothing about wolves think about wolves. In fact, wolves very rarely attack people. Like all predators, they hunt for food and live their lives trying to stay away from people.
The topic of my research project is “The Truth About Wolves.” It was no coincidence that I became interested in the life of wolves. Love for the Ural nature often brings me and my grandfather, Alexander Viktorovich Safronov, to the forest. We walk, talk, watch the living world of the forest. I read a lot of stories, fairy tales and poems about wolves. In winter, I came across a number of articles in the newspaper “Karpinsky Rabochiy” about the extermination of wolves. In our region, wolves began to be found more often than before; cases of wolves entering the village of Kakvinskiye Pechi were recorded. And I began to wonder what kind of wolf he really is? Is a wolf really that dangerous to humans? How to maintain balance in nature? I received answers to my questions from my grandfather, but decided to study the life of wolves more deeply. Find out the history of the origin of the genus of wolves, their habits, hunting characteristics, mutual understanding in the pack. And the main question for me became: who is a wolf for a person, a friend or an enemy?
While working on the project, I contacted the city library, school information Center, where he worked with reference books and the Internet. In my home library I found a number of stories about wolves. I learned interesting information about the habits of dogs from our school’s biology teacher, Nizamova Faina Nikolaevna. I learned about the peculiarities of life of wolves in captivity from an employee of the Yekaterinburg Zoo. In the city museum, I was able to get a close look at a stuffed wolf, feel its fur, touch its teeth and feel its creepy gaze on me.
My grandfather has two dogs, husky breeds, Taiga and Dina. We often take them with us for walks in the forest. They are very similar to wolves. It was my dogs that helped me conduct several experiments for the project.
History of the wolf family.
WOLVES, which are also called canines and canines, exist for 40 million. years. The wolf evolved from carnivorous predators that lived 100 million years ago. As a species, Canis lupus emerged in Eurasia about 1 million years ago, and by the end of the Pleistocene it became the most widespread predator. Total for globe There are 35 species of canids. The genus wolf unites wolves, coyotes, jackals, wild and domestic dogs - the largest representatives of the wolf family. In addition, all foxes, arctic foxes, and raccoon dogs belong to this family.
Once upon a time, wolves had no equal among large predators. They were so widespread and so clever in getting their food. But wolves interfered with man’s hunt, harassed sheep herds and were even considered cannibals - and man exterminated them for many years.
In fairy tales and legends taiga forest seemed a mysterious and dangerous place for unwary travelers. Most of these dangers are imaginary, but once upon a time people actually had reason to be afraid of wolves in the forest. Even 400 years ago, there were many gray predators in the northern regions; the cold taiga forests were their home.
There is not much reliable evidence of wolves attacking humans, but they did pose a great threat to domestic animals, especially when natural prey disappeared. Therefore, wolves were mercilessly destroyed. For example, on British Isles the last wolf was killed in 1770. True, there are still quite a few gray wolves left in Russia.
Like dogs, wolves are very intelligent and easy to train. Moreover, every wolf special character: there are those who are cautious, daring or self-confident; they behave freely and at ease in wolf society, while others are neither seen nor heard.
Wolves do not disdain domestic animals. It becomes clear why people have long waged a constant war with wolves. As a result, the wolf even had to be included in the Red Book! Now these magnificent animals are not found either in the British Isles or in the Western and Central Europe, neither in Japan nor in most of the US. Wolves have lived on Earth for more than a million years. They originated from carnivorous predators who lived 100 million years ago, and about 20 million years ago dogs originated from the wolf.
Perhaps, in the conditions of Canada or the northern United States, with an abundance of wild animals (deer, hares, rodents, etc.), wolves are not dangerous to domestic animals and humans, since nature provides complete nutrition for predators, and there is no need for them to risk attacking domestic animals or of people. In Russia and other countries where there is less easy prey for wolves, hungry wolves tear up domestic animals and become dangerous to humans. About 30% of wolves living in central Russia are potentially capable of attacking humans. This once again confirms the need to combat wolves in Russia.
Wolves' habitats.
The wolf is quite widespread. It is found on the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, Poland, Scandinavia, Finland, almost throughout Russia, from a number of Arctic islands and the coast of the Arctic Ocean to the southern borders of the country (excluding Crimea) and all the way to the Pacific Ocean. In Asia, it inhabits the Korean Peninsula, partly China and the Hindustan Peninsula, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and the Arabian Peninsula. In North America, the wolf, once widespread throughout almost the entire continent, is now severely extirpated. The wolf is currently absent from Japan and the British Isles. It has been exterminated in France, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, and throughout Central Europe.
The wolf is different big ecological plasticity. It lives in a wide variety of landscapes, but prefers open steppes, semi-deserts, tundra, forest-steppe, avoiding continuous forest areas. The reason for this is the abundance of food, primarily the presence of wild and domestic ungulates, as well as the conditions for hunting them, especially in times of famine. winter time, when the distribution and abundance of the predator is decisively influenced by the depth of the snow cover. The fact is that in the loose, deep snow in the forests the wolf sinks greatly and cannot catch up with the elk or deer. The situation changes only in the spring, during strong crusts that easily hold predators, but break under the weight of running ungulates. Wolf hunting in open spaces with little snow is incomparably more effective than in the taiga.
Characteristics of the common wolf.
All appearance The appearance of a wolf testifies to its power and excellent adaptability to tireless running, stalking and attacking its victims. In size, a seasoned wolf is larger than a large shepherd dog. Body length is on average 105 - 160 cm, tail - 35 - 50 cm, shoulder height 80 - 85 cm and up to 100 cm. Weight is usually 32 - 50 kg. The literature mentions wolves that supposedly weighed more than 90 kg, but among the many hundreds of accurately weighed wolves from different parts of the world, there was not a single one heavier than 79 kg. The skull is massive, the zygomatic arches are widely spaced. The facial region is longer than the cerebral region. Adults and old animals have highly developed crests, especially the sagittal one. The frontal part of the skull is convex with large cavities.
The teeth are large and strong. The canines are powerful, slightly curved, and relatively short. The carnassial teeth are well defined. The cutting edge of the incisors has small additional projections. Teeth - 42. Of these, 4 are sharp, crooked 5-centimeter fangs - two on top and two on bottom. With them the wolf can bite through the thick skin of the victim.
The color and size of wolves are subject to strong individual and geographic variability. In Russia alone there are almost 8 - 9 subspecies of wolves, and there are even more of them in North America. The largest animals live in the Far North, small ones - in the south. The first ones are painted in very light colors, and in winter they turn almost completely white. Thick fur up to 8 centimeters long protects the wolf from frost. The layer of fur closest to the body is the undercoat, and the outer layer is formed by hard, long, black-tipped guard hairs. They repel water and the undercoat does not get wet. In such a fur-lined cloak, the wolf is not afraid of the weather.
In nature, wolves live up to a maximum of 15 - 20 years, but already at 10 - 12 years they show signs of old age. If necessary, the wolf reaches speeds of up to 55 - 60 km/h, is capable of traveling up to 60 - 80 km per night, and on average travels more than 20 km per day (in the forest zone). A calmly walking or running wolf amazes with its ease of movement. It seems to spread over the ground; without changing his gait, he covers long distances without a hint of fatigue. If there are a couple or a group of wolves, then they walk in single file, stepping strictly one after the other, and only at a turn or at a resting place where the animals disperse can one determine their number. The paw prints on the ground are very distinct, which makes them different from the incomparably more vague footprints of large dogs. The wolf has not only speed and tirelessness in movement, but also great strength. Without apparent difficulty he can drag a sheep in his teeth, carrying it in front of him or throwing it on his back.
Hunting and feeding wolves
Wolves are created for hunting by nature itself. In winter, a wolf leaves a neat chain of footprints in the snow - he places his hind paw exactly behind his front paw. Thanks to this gait, he can run on any terrain and even in deep snow. The wolf's weapon is teeth. There are as many as 42 of them in his mouth. Four sharp, crooked 5-centimeter fangs stick out in front - two on top and two on bottom. With them the wolf can bite through the thick skin of the victim. And with predatory, or carnivorous, teeth - this is what the molars of all predators are called - an adult wolf even gnaws the femur of an elk. A hunter needs keen hearing, and wolves are lucky in this regard. When they hear a noise, they move their ears and determine where the sound comes from. The sound source may be several kilometers away. Wolves hunt almost silently, because they run on the very tips of their fingers. Just like horses and cats, a wolf's heel does not touch the ground. He has strong, muscular legs and a sweeping gait.
The wolf is a typical predator, obtaining food independently by actively searching for and pursuing victims. Everywhere, the basis of wolves' diet is made up of ungulates: in the tundra - wild and domestic reindeer; in the forest zone - elk, deer, roe deer, wild boars, domestic sheep, cows, horses; in the steppes and deserts - antelopes and domestic animals. Along with large animals in the diet of wolves big role small ones play - hares, gophers, mouse-like rodents, especially in their years mass reproduction. IN warm time Every year, wolves catch a lot of voles, lemmings and other animals and on this food they fatten up well for the winter and even get fat. In summer, wolves do not miss the opportunity to eat a clutch of eggs, chicks sitting on the nests or feeding on the ground of grouse, waterfowl and other birds. In areas where molting geese and ducks gather, wolves also often catch them with great dexterity. Predators often prey on domestic geese as well. Foxes sometimes become prey for wolves, raccoon dogs, corsacs, as well as domestic dogs, which wolves hunt on purpose, boldly abducting on village streets, right from the yard and almost in front of the hunters’ eyes. Occasionally, hungry wolves dare to attack bears sleeping in a den.
Wolves can be called opportunists - they eat everything they can catch, and everyone who is weaker than them. Hungry wolves also eat carrion, tearing meat from bones like a vulture - an eerie picture that has contributed to the spread of ominous legends about them. If the wolf does not want to be content with only what gets in his way, he will always choose the largest animal so that the efforts made will bring as much food as possible. A lone wolf will be happy with a small deer or sheep, but a pack will be able to cope with a larger animal. Wolves can pursue prey, drive it into an ambush or a dead end, performing complex maneuvers, foresee the trajectory of the victim’s movement, etc. Wolves are excellent at navigating the terrain. Many flocks constantly, year after year, use the same areas of territory to drive prey into a dead end. Such dead ends can be tree debris, scattered stones, or a dead end in the literal sense of the word - a sheer cliff or a deep ravine in a ravine. Finding themselves in a dead end, ungulates begin to rush around, trying to escape from it. In rubble or piles of stones, they often break limbs and then become easy prey for wolves. In many cases, while several wolves are chasing the prey, others are waiting for it, not allowing it to get out of the dead end. For deer, such dead ends in winter are ice on mountain rivers, thin ice powdered with the first snow, and snow blows. Wolves often drive saigas into dry lakes, where in autumn and spring the bottom, softened by water, turns into difficult-to-pass mud, and the ungulates move with great difficulty.
A kind of dead end for mountain animals (rams, goats, musk deer, red deer) become so-called sludge. These are hard-to-reach areas of rocks where ungulates wait out danger. Having driven the prey to the sludge, wolves can wait for days until the animal, tired of standing motionless, becomes their prey. In winter, wolves often drive out ungulates at present. The relative load on the track of wolves is 2 - 3 times less than that of most ungulates. Therefore, the victims of wolves, running away on the crust, get tired very quickly, falling into deep snow, and often injure their feet on the sharp edges of frozen snow. Often, wolves drive their prey towards other members of the pack lurking in ambush. This is how they hunt saigas. Some wait, hiding in the dunes, while others slowly drive the antelopes towards them. When hunting goats and sheep, wolves can use constrictions in rocks. Some hide behind rocks, while others drive the ungulates towards an ambush. Prolonged active pursuit of prey is not typical for wolves. As a rule, this is a short jerk of several tens, less often - several hundred meters. They can often follow the herd without giving away their presence and wait for an opportune moment. decisive actions moment. Such passive pursuit can last for many days.
Often, wolves lie in wait for prey at watering holes, crossings, resting or grazing areas. In these cases, several wolves silently creeping up and suddenly suddenly appearing cause panic among the ungulates, which makes it easier for predators to intercept and hold the randomly scattering animals. Newborns and young ungulates often become victims of wolves in places where they are concentrated. Among domestic ungulates, sheep and reindeer are the most likely to suffer from wolves. In sheep-raising areas, especially mountainous ones, the wolf is still the most common predator. But wolves often attack horses too. Having created panic in the herd with an unexpected appearance, they grab the victim by the muzzle and groin until the exhausted animal stops and becomes their prey. In addition to ungulates, many other animals can become prey for a wolf, especially in the summer, when parents feed the puppies, and the pack breaks up and predators live alone or in small groups. During this time, wolves eat insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and various mammals, on which they have also developed skillful hunting techniques. Hares are the most common victims of wolves.
Wolves inhabiting the coast of the Caspian Sea often go out onto the ice, where they look for seals in the hummocks. In the mountains they hunt marmots. Taking advantage of the uneven terrain, predators lie flat on the ground and wait for a long time until the marmots move far from the hole. Having identified the victim, they cut off its escape route with a short, swift throw, intercepting it on the way to cover. Sometimes wolves hide near holes, waiting for a long time for marmots to come to the surface. Like foxes, wolves can “mouse” while hunting for small rodents and insectivores. Having waited until, for example, a vole appears on the surface, the wolf jumps and crushes it with its paw and eats it.
A pack can easily drive and kill an elk weighing half a ton (and this despite the fact that one wolf weighs ten times less). This requires strength, determination and teamwork. At the same time, predators display amazing tirelessness, merciless persistence and sooner or later achieve their goal. Sometimes they drive the wapiti into the rocks, “to settle,” and, having surrounded them, wait for him, tired, to try to break through and run away. Finally, wolves skillfully drive roe deer and deer onto the slippery bare ice of taiga rivers or kill them in deep, loose snow or on crust. However, under other conditions, predators cannot catch up with a healthy deer and, after a short chase, stop hunting.
The wolf's main hunting tool is its nose, which detects the slightest smell of prey. Having sensed the smell, the whole flock turns their heads in the right direction and freezes in order to remember it well. Wolves wag their tails, as if anticipating a future feast, and their subsequent actions depend on the type of terrain. There is nowhere to hide in open space, and the wolves immediately attack; in the forest they sneak up from the leeward side, moving one after another and hoping to catch the victim by surprise. This style of hunting allows you to catch a moose or other solitary animal, although they will most likely sense the enemy and resist him. A large stag can take a fighting stance and drive away the wolves with blows of its hooves, who will have to retreat and search for weaker prey. If the prey starts to run away, the wolves will give chase, but will abandon it if they lose in speed - there is no point in them needlessly expending energy that will come in handy more than once.
Healthy and strong ungulates, by and large, have nothing to fear from wolves, so the pack always looks out for young, old or sick animals, which are easier to catch. This is clearly visible when a pack of wolves attacks a herd of reindeer or musk oxen; wolves rush at young individuals, and the weakest of them become easy prey. Thus, a herd that is constantly attacked by wolves will be healthier than one that is well protected. Having attacked a herd, wolves try to create panic in it in order to drive away the future victim and easily overwhelm it. If the herd manages to regroup and the adult animals surround the babies with a wall of hard hooves and formidable horns, the wolves will leave, slurping lightly, but will still monitor from afar the movements of weak or sick individuals seen in the herd. Wolves are also prone to cannibalism. There are many known cases when they tore and ate weakened animals, wounded by hunters or severely injured in an internecine fight during the rutting season. Unlike some other predatory animals, wolves often return to the half-eaten remains of their own prey, especially during the hungry season. They do not disdain the corpses of livestock, and on the sea coasts - the carcasses of seals and other sea animals thrown up by the waves. In the steppes and deserts, the usual food of wolves are all kinds of reptiles, beetles and locusts (during mass breeding years). Wolves, especially in the southern regions, also eat some plant foods - various berries, lily of the valley fruits, wild and garden fruits (carrion), even mushrooms. In the steppes, they often raid melon fields, watermelons and melons, satisfying not so much hunger as thirst, because they need regular, plentiful watering.
By hunting as a whole pack, wolves increase their chances of success. This “team approach” is manifested in the following. Two or three wolves lie in ambush, and the whole pack attacks the herd and drives it towards the hunters; they jump out of the “secret”, panic begins in the herd, the frightened deer shy away to the side; one wolf overtakes him, then another, the deer fights back with all his might, but in the end falls. The leader satisfies his hunger first, eating the best pieces and smearing himself with the blood of the victim; other wolves mill around at a distance, waiting for their turn and share; if there is any meat left, the wolves will bury it in the ground or simply leave it, while they wash themselves in the nearest stream, get some sleep and come back for more. If females feeding their brood are waiting for them in the den, the wolves will take them meat - raw in their teeth or semi-digested in their stomachs.
The wolf is known for its gluttony. Indeed, if he is hungry, he is able to eat up to 10 kg of meat. However, in normal conditions daily norm an adult animal is only about 2 KG, the rest of the meat he simply takes away and hides in reserve, eating it later, which is not always taken into account and contributes to exaggerated ideas about the gluttony of the wolf.
On the other hand, this animal has an amazing ability to starve without losing its vitality. In the Yamal tundra, a wounded wolf lay without changing place and without hunting, that is, being hungry, for 17 days. He lost a lot of weight, but fully recovered from his wounds and ran as if he were healthy.
Wolf is a family man.
Wolves are social animals: they live in families. Any flock has its own “table of ranks”, and in it everyone has their own place. Strong and aggressive wolves rule, and those who need a firm hand obey them. Wolf pack - a group of animals related by kinship and mutual sympathy, - headed by a wolf and a she-wolf. The rest of its members are their children (from tiny puppies to 2-3 year old teenagers). Usually there are 6 - 7, and sometimes 15 animals in a wolf family. The strongest wolf in the pack becomes the leader. His friend, a she-wolf, helps him rule. In order for others to obey, leaders must have strong character. All decisions concerning the life of the pack are made by this pair. In a pack where the leader keeps order, wolves usually do not fight among themselves. However, clashes with strangers or lone wolves who trespass often occur. Each wolf pack hunts only in its own territory. The owners strictly guard and mark her, warning neighbors that they should stay away. Any uninvited guest will be punished. In large packs it often happens that one wolf is poisoned by all his relatives. Sometimes the outcast becomes completely unbearable, and he is forced to leave the pack.
Why is an unsociable person called a lone wolf? Because he resembles a wolf who left the pack and lives on his own. Over time, changes occur in the flock. Candidates for the role of leader remain in the pack and wait in the wings. Other wolves, having matured, leave to wander alone. But they can also create their own pack if they are lucky enough to meet a lone wolf. If the wolf and she-wolf want to rule the pack, they must subjugate all the other members of the pack to their will and force them to unquestioningly carry out their laws. The leader dominates the males of the pack, and his mate maintains order among the she-wolves. The leaders constantly remind their “subordinates” who is the boss of the pack: they growl at them, bite them, chase them and even knock them down, preferring to do this in front of the whole pack. One stern, intent look from the leader or his girlfriend is enough for those he targets to submit. Grinning ingratiatingly, the wolves fall to the ground, and then, if possible, sneak away. Sometimes they lie on their backs, as if to say: we know who is the most important here. The way a wolf holds its tail indicates its position in the pack. Among the leaders it is raised high, among the “subjects” it is lowered, and those at the lowest level in the wolf family have their tail between their legs. Members of the pack show love and respect to the leader in a welcoming ceremony. Crawling, with ears flattened and fur smoothed, they approach the leader or his mate, lick and carefully bite his face.
The rut occurs on average in February, puppies are born in April. In late spring, wolves change their habits. They no longer wander, but prowl in search of prey only near the lair, where they are going to have offspring. Usually the den is selected and arranged by a female who is pregnant with the leader’s child (most likely, this couple will not part for the rest of their lives). Usually there are 5-6 puppies in a wolf family. There have been cases when a lot of them are born - 10-13 and even up to 17. But such cases are rare and half of the brood in numerous families does not survive. Wolf cubs are born blind and helpless.
From this moment on, the she-wolf does not leave the den for three weeks; The father of the family brings the spoils. The rest of the pack remains nearby and also feeds the she-wolf and her litter until the cubs grow up. When the she-wolf begins to go hunting on her own, the pack looks after the babies. If the family is in any danger, the she-wolf carries her cubs one by one in her mouth to another, more secluded place.
The eyes of wolf cubs open on the 9-12th day. At the end of the second week they usually begin to respond to sounds, and after three weeks they emerge from the nest for the first time and begin to taste meat around the same time. Wolf cubs are born completely helpless. The mother helps them toilet by licking under the tail. Puppies are not able to rise to their feet at this time and move around crawling. They are constantly in physical contact with their mother or with each other. Puppies sleep most of the time.
Sharp changes in their behavior occur at the beginning of the third week. By this time, they already see and hear, get to their feet and begin to walk, even trying to play with each other, hitting each other with their paws and biting. Wolf cubs begin active play at just a little age. less than a month, when they jump back and forth, fall on their front paws and bite each other on the face. Although the she-wolf is a caring mother, she does not show aggression towards people who are close to her children. There are known cases when hunters took the entire brood from the den, put the helpless puppies in a bag and carried them away, while the she-wolf watched restlessly at a distance and then accompanied the hunters for several kilometers to the village without making any attempts to attack. In the first days, the she-wolf is constantly with the puppies. She is fed by a wolf. He brings food in his stomach and regurgitates it to the female. Gradually, the she-wolf leaves the puppies alone, often going away for a long time in search of food.
According to the observations of researchers, the female can leave the wolf cubs for 6.5 - 68 hours, that is, she can be absent for almost three days. The duration of the female's absence greatly depends on the abundance of food in the vicinity of the den. The more accessible it is, the less time the she-wolf leaves her puppies. Usually, when the female leaves the den, the cubs are left alone, huddling together to keep warm. The wolf is rarely in the den with them. But if the puppies crawl towards their father, he does not drive them away, warming them with the warmth of his body. Wolves make dens in sheltered, well-protected places. They can be overhangs in rocks, deep cracks, niches, gullies in ravines. Wolves often use the burrows of other animals as dens: foxes, arctic foxes, badgers, and marmots. Wolves expand other people's burrows and very rarely dig their own, choosing for this SOFT, usually sandy soil, as well as family days, where wolf cubs spend the first months of life, meet two requirements:
The presence of shelters from dense vegetation;
A good overview of the area to detect danger.
In contrast, there are a number of cases where wolf cubs were found in completely unexpected places: in old stacks of straw left in the field; in stacks of firewood and snow shields near the road; in a grain field 300 m from the village; in a hemp field 10 miles from the estate. It is characteristic that wolves never hunt close to their home, but at a distance of 7-10 km and further, which, of course, also contributes to the safety of the broods. After the wolf cubs grow up, the animals stop using a permanent den, but settle down to rest in different but reliable places.
It is difficult to approach a wolf's lair without being noticed. As a rule, animals detect a person and manage to take cover before the person detects them. Growing wolf cubs can frolic in a completely open, clearly visible place, but such a playground is necessarily adjacent to either dense thickets, or a pile of stones and labyrinths of passages in rocks and ravines. In these shelters, wolf cubs, and even adult wolves, instantly “dissolve” without betraying their presence in any way.
Territory of wolves, home.
The size of a family territory depends greatly on the landscape and varies within very wide limits. The largest family plots are in open landscapes of tundra, steppe or semi-desert, where they reach 1000 - 1250 km2. In the forest zone they are smaller - 200 - 250 km2. Wolves mark their territory with urine, feces, or by leaving scratches on paths, fallen trees, and isolated stumps. Wolf droppings, when dry, acquire White color and in an open place it is visible at a great distance. It seems that wolves sometimes specifically choose the most visible places to leave droppings. Once upon a time, a litter was discovered in Altai large wolf on the mower seat, which rose about a meter and a half above the ground. The mower itself stood for many days in the middle of a spacious clearing, very visible from the road, along which wolves regularly walked, gathering in places where deer roared.
Wandering around like this huge territory, the pack, naturally, will not be able to retain exclusive rights to it, but timber wolves, whose possessions are smaller, tend to see in them only their land. The wolf marks its territory with its own scent.
Where there are many wolves, the concentration of marks is especially high on the periphery of the family territory, that is, along its borders, due to the overlapping marks of wolves inhabiting neighboring areas. There are many marks in the centers of flock activity within family areas, where droppings, urine spots and scrapes are often found. Such centers of activity of the pack are permanent trails, dens and family days. They can be several kilometers away from the boundaries of the territory. The concentration of traces of wolves in the centers of their activity gives the territory a characteristic appearance. Numerous traces of wolves on the family plot, their uneven distribution, probably serve as landmarks for members of the flock, going many kilometers in search of food and again returning to the center of the family territory.
A lone wolf moves carefully, avoiding territories occupied by other packs and not disturbing their peace: a meeting with numerically superior opponents may be the last adventure of his life. Never touching its own, the flock will mercilessly deal with the stranger. In search of prey, wolves wander into farms, where they find themselves close to humans and risk losing their lives. In autumn and winter, the flock prowls around a certain territory; in the forest, where there is plenty of game, these limits are small - no more than 100 square meters. KM, and where it is necessary to look for prey, the area of “their” lands increases ten times or more. Polar wolves, hunting reindeer, follow their herds throughout the tundra from year to year; It happens that a herd of deer has its own wolf pack. Zoologists once tracked the movements of one pack in Alaska: in a month and a half, wolves covered 1,100 km across an expanse of 13 thousand square meters. km!
Communication of wolves.
Wolves do not always hunt, growl and be ferocious. The first thing a wolf will do when its stomach is full is curl up and take a good nap. When he wakes up, he will frolic with pleasure. If he wants to play, he will invite his relatives to join him. Crouching low to the ground on his front paws, he will approach them and, wagging his tail, say: “Well, please!” No answer? Then, in order to attract attention, he will begin to jump from side to side, just like a dog.
Well-developed higher nervous activity in wolves is combined with strength, agility, running speed and other physical characteristics that greatly increase the chances of this predator in the struggle for existence.
A wolf's facial expressions are much more expressive than those of a domestic dog. It is complemented by the setting of the ears and the coloring of the muzzle, a “mask” that obediently follows the changes in the facial muscles. When a wolf is frightened, its head seems to “shrink” in size: the ears are pressed back and pulled back, the muzzle is elongated, the corners of the mouth are narrowed and pulled back. A depressed facial expression is accompanied by avoidance of direct gaze. On the contrary, a wolf that is confident in itself has a larger and more rounded head, ears raised and directed forward, and the corners of its mouth protruded. The confident expression of the “face” is emphasized by round eyes directed at the partner. The aggression of a wolf, ready or preparing to attack, is expressed by a bared muzzle, showing teeth in an open mouth, and raised hair on the muzzle. The deep parallel folds of skin behind the nose above the upper jaw give particular expressiveness to the “face”. The upturned tip of the nose creates the extreme expression of an animal ready to attack. The positioning of the ears in this case greatly depends on how much fear is mixed with aggressiveness. The expression of aggressiveness mixed with fear is accompanied by varying degrees of pressing the ears to the head.
Lack of fear, aggressiveness and self-confidence are expressed by erect or even forward-pointing ears. The tail is a good indicator of the wolf's feelings and intentions. The animals lift him up different angles, they wave it with different amplitudes and frequencies, clearly demonstrating it or hiding it between their legs. A confident or aggressive wolf holds its tail high, and sometimes even above the level of its back. When threatening, wolves often raise their tail almost vertically, tensely holding it almost motionless and raising their hair. On the contrary, wolves express a depressed mood and a feeling of fear with their tail hanging low, in extreme manifestations of fear hiding it between their legs. They express friendly feelings with free sweeping movements of the tail from side to side, raising it at different angles relative to the line of the back.
The tail, noticeable from a great distance, probably serves as a means of remote contact between animals. When greeting each other, wolves wag their tails and rear parts of their bodies, and low-ranking animals do this especially expressively in relation to high-ranking ones. Demonstrating their high hierarchical rank, wolves can bite their partner. However, these actions are exclusively ritual in nature and are not accompanied by injury to the subordinate individual. Most often, a high-ranking wolf bites a low-ranking one in the face. Less often - by the withers, as if pressing him to the ground. Characterizing the poses of wolves in general, it can be noted that in high-ranking animals, when interacting with partners in the pack, the poses are more open, the head and tail are raised high, the animals stand straight on their feet. Low-ranking animals tend to shrink in size, lower their heads, tuck their tails, and fall on relaxed paws.
Low-ranking animals, demonstrating their submission to higher-ranking ones, can roll over to the ground in front of them, lying on their sides or even on their backs and exposing their chest and stomach to their partner. High-ranking animals often demonstrate a side stance, rising on high legs, in a confident pose above the lying partner. By blocking the actions of a partner, especially their aggressive intentions, wolves regularly demonstrate a lateral stance. Side stand probably in to the greatest extent expresses the confidence of a dominant animal over a subordinate. It lacks elements of aggressiveness, such as a grin and deep folds behind the nose.
IN natural conditions wolves usually howl in the late evening hours, less often at night and early in the morning. However, under artificial conditions, their sound activity can greatly shift, which depends on the general activity regime of the animals, determined by the specifics of the daily dynamics of stimuli that stimulate consolidation motivation. In artificial conditions, the behavior of wolves is largely focused on humans. Contacts with him usually have a certain rhythm. For example, in the vivarium where we observed wolves, they howled most often around lunchtime, when people serving the animals usually passed by the enclosure. The wolves knew them well and reacted positively to them, as they regularly received random food from them. By the way, a lone wolf never howls.
The wolf family (pack) has developed as a close, stable and optimal community for the struggle for existence, connected by blood, for the following reasons:
In a pack family, feeding and raising offspring is easier;
It is easier and less risky to obtain food in a family, since mutual assistance is ensured in obtaining and sharing mined or found;
The family secures and protects a certain feeding area, where “strangers” are not allowed.
Varieties of wolf howls and other signals.
There are so many unsolved mysteries of howling wolves that it forces scientists to come to the following conclusion: howling is the most mysterious and at the same time the most attractive phenomenon in wolf biology. At present, not only is there no consensus on the function of this sound reaction, but the very formulation of the question is being questioned. Thus, in its diversity, paradoxically, wolf language, especially howling, is similar to the language of people.
The basis of the wolf language consists of the following elements of sound signaling:
The most important is the howl with its indescribable varieties and shades. Moreover, it is possible that howls are emitted by wolves not only in the frequency range heard by humans, but also in other ranges accessible to wolves;
Snorting and loud barking;
Growling, chattering teeth, squealing, whining, barking;
In addition to sound signaling, wolves transmit and receive information through traces of vital activity, smells and visually. It can be:
Urinary points;
Traces of movement (footprints, remains of fur on bushes and trees, etc.);
Scratches on the ground or in the snow, traces of fallen wolves on the ground or snow, carrion, etc.;
Nest (place of hatching and initial raising of wolf cubs);
A den in the broad sense of the term is a system of nests and daytime roosts, usually within the feeding area of a given family;
Smells of wolves; they are not only individual, but often elusive to humans, although they are perfectly captured and distinguished by a wolf;
Direct contacts of animals for educational, aggressive and other purposes.
Purpose of sound signals, howling.
Wolves attach very specific meanings to howling: threat, melancholy, despair, sadness, a signal of caught or found prey, calls, affectionate intonations towards wolf cubs, etc.
The she-wolf, returning to the den, gently whines and gently calls the scattered wolf cubs; in the den she briefly and quietly responds with a howl to the howl of the returning mother. A she-wolf or a seasoned one, having heard an inept howl, suspecting the eternal enemy - a person, with a sharp snort or a roar with chattering teeth, interrupts the inappropriate response howl of the pereyarks or the yapping of the arrived ones, and if they do not obey instantly, then they will punish the disobedient ones. When the wolf cubs grow up, the alarm signals serve as a command to the grown wolf cubs: “Everyone, hide and hide.” In the last days of pregnancy and in the first days after whelping, the she-wolf lies “firmly”, silently. During the rut, a lone wolf howls invitingly, waiting for the male, but, having heard his answer, she herself does not answer and does not meet him halfway. The wolf’s ability to determine the direction to the source of the howl is such that it accurately determines it the first time and, as if on orders, goes to it.
On a daily basis, wolves most often howl at dusk and dawn. Howling is most likely to be heard within 1-2 hours after sunset or before dawn. At this time, group howling is especially possible. Howling at night is not uncommon. During the day, the wolves rest, their howls are extremely rare, and if necessary, roll calls or signals to lost prey are carried out quietly with a short howl or yelp.
Single and group howl.
A single howl serves to communicate between members of a pack family, determine the location of individuals, warn about the occupancy of the territory, establish contacts between animals of different sexes during the rutting period, express the state of an individual, call wolf cubs and care for them from their parents, signal prey, alarm, etc.
The group howl serves to unite the pack family and express its condition. Perhaps the group howl of a friendly, numerous and powerful pack family serves as proof of the strong occupation of a given feeding area.
Types of wolves.
Polar Wolf. Among wild canids, the wolf is the largest animal: large light polar wolves can weigh up to 80 kg. HE has adapted well to life in the north. Polar wolves are protected from harsh climatic conditions by a warm white “fur coat”, thanks to which the wolf is almost invisible in the snow.
Tundra wolf. Large beast. The body length of males, apparently, can exceed 150 cm. These wolves are characterized by very long, thick and soft hair of a light color. Scientist V. G. Geptner provides the following data on the maximum mass of tundra wolves, obtained as a result of measurements and weighing of the largest specimens out of 500 animals shot in the tundra in Taimyr, Yamal and in the area of the Kanin Peninsula. The largest weights were: an old male caught in Taimyr - 52 kg, a male from the tundra east of the Kanin Peninsula - 48.8 kg and a male from Yamal - 46.7 kg. In Russia the range tundra wolf occupies the zone of tundra and forest-tundra of the European part and Siberia, as well as Kamchatka.
Central Russian forest wolf. Contrary to popular belief, it is this wolf that reaches maximum sizes on the Eurasian continent, not tundra. The coloring is classic, and not lightened, like the tundra. The body length of adult Central Russian forest wolves can exceed 160 cm, and the height at the shoulders can reach 1 meter. Of course, such dimensions can only apply to very large individuals. It is generally accepted that on average an adult male weighs 40 - 45 kg, a young male (about 1 year and 8 months old) weighs about 35 kg, and a mature male (8 months old) weighs 25 kg. She-wolves weigh 15 - 20% less. Anyone who is familiar with old hunting literature, or who has been to “wolf” corners and talked with local residents, has probably read or heard about huge wolves. How much weight can wolves reach? For Central Russia in scientific works The maximum weight is indicated in the range of 69 - 80 kg. And here are the results of weighing specific animals. For the Moscow region - a male weighing 76 kg, the largest of the 250 wolves caught by the wolf hunter V.M. Hartuleri, famous in the thirties and forties of the last century. For Altai - a male weighing 72 kg. The wolf, stuffed of which is in the Moscow State University zoo museum, weighed 80 kg. According to N.D. Sysoev, head of the state hunting inspection Vladimir region, in the period from 1951 to 1963, 641 wolves were killed, of which 17 were particularly KRUSHYYH. Among these animals greatest mass had: from males - 79 kg, caught in the Sobinsky region, from females - 62 kg. The footprint of the right front paw of this huge, almost eighty-kilogram animal had a length of 16 cm and a width of 10 cm. For Ukraine, wolves of even larger sizes are indicated - 92 kg from the Lugansk region and 96 kg from the Chernigov region, but the conditions for determining the mass of these animals are unknown. The Central Russian forest wolf lives throughout the forest and forest-steppe zones of the European part of Russia, and probably penetrates into Western Siberia. In the north, it is quite possible for it to enter the forest-tundra, however, in the same way as the tundra into the taiga.
Siberian forest wolf. It is also a large animal, not inferior in its average size to the previous subspecies. According to many scientists, it is still conditionally identified as a separate subspecies, since the taxonomy of Siberian wolves is still poorly developed. The predominant color is light gray, ocher tones are poorly visible or absent altogether. The fur, although not as tall and silky as that of the tundra wolf, is also thick and soft. Its habitat is largely considered Eastern Siberia, Far East and Kamchatka, except tundra zone, as well as Transbaikalia.
Steppenwolf. In general, somewhat smaller than the forest one, with sparse and coarser hair. The color on the back is with a noticeable predominance of rusty-gray or even brown hair, and the sides are light gray. Its range includes the steppes of southern Russia, including the Cis-Caucasian, Caspian, Ural and Lower Volga regions. Poorly studied. A system of specific characteristics has not been developed. The number is low, especially in the western parts of the range.
Caucasian wolf. A medium-sized animal with coarse and short guard hair and rather poorly developed underfur. The color is noticeably darker than the subspecies described above due to the black guard hairs evenly distributed throughout the skin. The overall tone is dirty gray, dull. Within our country, the range is limited to the Main Caucasus Range and its wooded foothills.
Mongolian wolf. The smallest of the wolves living in Russia. The normal weight of adult males rarely exceeds 40 kg. The color of the fur is dull, dirty gray with an admixture of ocher colors. The fur is hard and rough. The range of this subspecies is limited to the eastern and southwestern Transbaikalia and the Primorsky Territory.
The species MANED WOLF is listed in the International Red Book
THE MANED WOLF has an unusually original appearance. He looks like common fox, but only on extremely long, slender legs. Thanks to the elongated muzzle and elongated neck, its body appears short. The disproportion of the physique is emphasized by large erect ears and short tail. This is also evidenced by its dimensions: body length is approximately 125 cm, tail is about 30 cm, shoulder height is up to 75 cm, weight is 20-23 kg. The color of the long, rather soft coat is also original: in general it is yellowish-red, but the legs and underside are much darker, almost black, while the tail is very light, towards the end white. The fur on the upper side of the neck and withers has the appearance of a standing mane. The maned wolf is common in Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Northern Argentina. Here it is found in the pampas and along the edges of swamps covered with tall grass. In these conditions, long legs are very necessary for aguaracha; they help to look at prey over the tall grass. The animal hunts mainly small animals: agouti, pacu, as well as BIRDS, reptiles, insects; eats fruits and other plant foods; sometimes carries poultry and very rarely, in a group, attacks sheep. Cubs are born in winter. There are only 2-3 of them, almost black in color, with a white tip of the tail. The maned wolf is the largest canid in South America. Externally, the maned wolf looks more like a fox long legs. Unlike other wolves, maned wolves hunt alone.
The RED WOLF species is listed in the Red Book of Russia
The RED WOLF species is listed in the International Red Book
The red WOLF is a fairly large animal with a body length of 76-103 cm and a tail of 28-48 cm, and a weight of 14-21 kg. Its appearance combines the characteristics of a wolf, fox and jackal. This impression is facilitated by the thick long wool, long fluffy tail, relatively narrow muzzle, large ears. The general color tone is reddish, varying greatly in individual individuals and in different parts range. This variability, combined with widespread entailed the description of a number of local forms, which at one time were considered independent species, but in fact are subspecies. The red wolf is well distinguished from other genera of the canine family by its reduced number of molars (2 in each half of the jaw) and a large number of nipples (6-7 pairs). The red wolf is found in small numbers in the mountains of the Far East, Western Sayan, and Central Asia.
The main part of the range is in the mountain-forest regions of Central and South Asia, including Indochina, the Malacca Peninsula, the islands of Sumatra and Java. Almost everywhere, the red wolf lives mainly in the mountains, rising to the alpine zone. In the southern part of its range it gravitates towards forests. It often makes seasonal migrations, sometimes appearing in landscapes that are not typical for it - forest-steppe, steppe and even deserts. the red wolf is a typical KHSTSNIK. He hunts mainly during the day, tirelessly pursuing his victims. Outside the breeding season, it lives in flocks, sometimes numbering dozens of individuals. Obviously, such groups unite a number of families or animals of several generations. They feed mainly on various wild ungulates. It is also known that these predators regularly eat plant foods in the summer. The biology of reproduction has not been sufficiently studied. Red wolves are strict monogamists; their males participate in protecting and raising the young. In zoos, animals mate in January - February; puppies in April (after a 62-64-day pregnancy), bringing 5-9 cubs. In India, young ones are found throughout the year, but more often in January - February. Newborn puppies are covered with short, dark brown fur. Their teeth erupt on the 14th day. At six months of age, puppies reach adult weight. Their shelters are usually rock crevices, caves and niches in the slopes, since red wolves almost never dig holes.
WOLF AND DOG
The German shepherd and husky in appearance still resemble their wild ancestors - wolves.
Dogs are domesticated wolves. German Shepherds- a breed obtained by crossing a dog and a wolf, which was carried out three centuries ago, and therefore the appearance of these dogs is very similar to the appearance of a wolf.
Whose traces?
"If you follow a wolf's trail, you will recognize a wolf's life"
Proverb of Russian hunters
The trail of an adult wolf resembles that of a very large and heavy dog. The paw print of a wolf is very compact, and not “spread-out”, like most dogs, with clearly imprinted finger pads and claws. The wolf's middle fingers are significantly extended forward. Between your middle and side fingers you can place an imaginary match across the print. A seasoned male has a wider paw, a she-wolf has a more “slender” footprint.” Only occasionally on loose sand, liquid mud, etc. do the wolves’ toes spread out, which is understandable. Most dogs’ toes are always, as they say, “fan-shaped.” The exception is, perhaps, good working hounds. Their trail can be confused with the trail of a young wolf. The trail of a very large working husky sometimes looks like the trail of a very young male wolf.
It is often written that if you connect the paw prints of a dog with segments, you will get a broken line, and the wolf is coming strictly “on the ribbon”, the prints are located on the same straight line. Alas, there are exceptions among wolves. For example, if the snow still allows walking, “trotting,” but is already deep enough, then the wolf also begins to spread its paws.
How to avoid confusing the tracks of a wolf and a dog in nature? Firstly, it is important to understand that a normal dog alone will not run far into the forest, and a wolf, in turn, will not hover under a person’s feet. This means that if you come across a trace of a person, and nearby there is a trace of either a small wolf or a dog; if these are traces of the same freshness, and the person is most likely a hunter, since, for example, on wide skis and without poles, then most likely the trace belongs to a hunting dog.
Secondly, the footprint of an adult Central Russian wolf is always much larger than the footprint of a dog that can be found in the forest. The trail of a wolf is sharper, more specific, and is more acutely perceived by the eye. It’s as if you immediately feel that an animal has passed through, and not a dog. I quite often come across wolf paw prints 13-15 cm long. Such footprints belong to completely unremarkable animals weighing hardly more than 50-60 kg.
Where to look for a wolf trail? It is best along forest paths, and not at all in impassable thickets. When the snow is quite deep, you should especially carefully inspect wild boar paths, old ski tracks, old and new ruts from tractors, cars, and more or less cleared roads to logging sites.
The language of a wolf is fundamentally different, or rather even opposite, to the language of another member of the canine family - the domestic dog:
Of the sound signals, an adult wolf most often uses a howl and extremely rarely barks or barks;
A dog, on the contrary, most often barks, and howls, which are quite monotonous, only in some situations.
The life systems of wolves and dogs are diametrically opposed:
Domestic dogs, having gone wild, gather in large packs of 20 or more individuals and are polygamous. The hyena-like dogs of Africa, which can be tamed, behave in the same way;
Wolves never gather in large packs, but live only in monogamous families or, if necessary, alone;
Taming a wolf, even one raised in a human home, is very difficult and unstable, and the behavior of such a “domestic” wolf often becomes unpredictable and even dangerous.
Wolf symbol
The wolf is, first of all, the highest symbol of freedom in the animal world, a symbol of independence. (Whereas the so-called king of animals - the lion - is trained in the circus.)
The wolf is also a symbol of fearlessness. In any fight, the wolf fights until victory or death.
The wolf lives as a family, cares only for his wolf wife, and the wolf father himself raises his wolf children.
The wolf is also a symbol of high morality and devotion to family. (The same cannot be said about males of other animals)
The wolf is a symbol of justice and ambition. Under normal conditions, the wolf will not allow, for its part, to offend the weaker.
What does a wolf mean as a symbol among different peoples? For most peoples, the wolf means earth, evil, devouring passion and rage. Wolves and ravens are often close friends of the primitive gods of the dead.
Among the Aztecs, the howling wolf is the god of dance;
In Celtic mythology, the wolf swallows the Heavenly Father (the sun), after which night falls;
Among the Chinese, it symbolizes gluttony and greed;
In the Greco-Roman tradition, the wolf is sacred to Mars (Ares) as the personification of rage, as well as to Apollo and Silvanus. The she-wolf, according to legend, who suckled Romulus and Remus, is often depicted in Roman art. The wolf also symbolizes valor;
Among the Jews, the wolf personifies bloodthirstiness, cruelty, and a haunting spirit;
Among the Indians, Ashvins save the quails of the day from the wolf of the night. The wolf is the mount of witches and warlocks; its appearance is taken by a werewolf.
Studying the habits and reflexes of wolves using domestic dogs as an example.
In the first chapter, I described scientists' research on the life of wolves. Using this information as a basis, I conducted a series of experiments with my dogs Dina and Taiga. By breed they are huskies, and they are also relatives, mother and daughter. Dina is a very caring mother. When she gave birth to puppies, she forbade us to even approach and look at them. (There were four puppies. We gave three to good people, and kept little Taiga for ourselves)
Just like wolves, my dogs express their feelings in a unique way. When my grandfather and I come to the dacha where Dina and Taiga live, they are happy. Joy is expressed by wagging the tail, jumping and cheerful barking. The dogs also know very well that I am the master and, as if before a master, they fall on their backs, showing their respect.
When grandfather comes into the house to prepare food for our dogs, they begin to whine and lick their lips in anticipation. At this time, they begin to salivate profusely. When the dogs were eating, I went to their bowl. They, not taking into account the fact that I was the owner, bared their teeth, began to growl and bark sharply, almost attacking me.
When the dogs eat, they start having fun. They run around the garden, marking their territory near the fence. They run, squeal, bite each other.
If dogs stick out their tongues, their breathing becomes heavy, which means they are tired or thirsty.
My dogs are very emotional. I can easily tell when they are having fun, they can even smile.
When grandpa drives them into the cage, they tuck their tails between their legs and, almost pressing their bellies to the ground, crawl into the booth. So they don’t want to be in the house behind the doors.
On walks in the forest, dogs show themselves as real hunters. Dina and Taiga are very attentive dogs. They don’t just run through the forest, but explore the entire territory: sniffing the ground, trees, listening to sounds. They have very sensitive hearing. When they hear something, their ears stand up, hiding, they turn their ears in the direction where the sound is coming from. When they see a squirrel, a chipmunk and someone else in the forest, they start barking loudly and tell us about their discovery. My grandfather and I praise them and believe that they are real hunters, only their prey can only jump through the trees and run through the forest.
Based on my observations, I compiled a dictionary of dog language. Dina and Taiga, as it turned out, don’t like to be photographed, they constantly jump on the camera and bark, so I chose suitable photos from the Internet.
Conclusion.
The main question of my research project was: who is the wolf - enemy or friend?
I also found two answers to my question. The wolf is both enemy and friend.
An enemy because a wolf, during a period of lack of natural food or due to difficulties in obtaining it, can attack herds of sheep, kill livestock and even dogs. I learned that wolves are afraid of adults and attack children. The wolf harms livestock production and hunting industry. In autumn and winter, the wolf becomes much more dangerous than in other seasons, often attacking both large and small livestock. They're getting closer to settlements, and in small towns they hunt for dogs, which they love very much and which in some places constitute their only prey.
But science has proven that predators in the life of nature are not only useful, but simply necessary, as orderlies and breeders who improve the tribe of non-predatory animals, because predators destroy primarily the sick and weak, poorly adapted, carrying various vices and defects. Therefore, in many countries the law now protects against excessive extermination of predators. But old traditions and prejudices against beast of prey still alive among people. The fate of wolves is especially tragic - almost everywhere they are killed - without pity, without remorse and with a naive awareness of the usefulness of this harmful deed. In nature, in natural habitats, the wolf plays the role of an orderly. The wolf in nature takes almost exclusively sick or crippled animals and thereby cleanses the population.
The wolf in the zoo is a sad animal, he is deprived of freedom. His hunting skills are not realized at all. They take care of him, feed him, and clean his cage. The wolf in the zoo is a prisoner.
As a result of my research, I found out that the wolf is a strong, brave and intelligent animal.
It is completely in vain that children are presented with a wolf in such a stupid form in fairy tales.