~Mysteries of the Grey Wolf~
~Annual Cycle~

Like all wild animals, the seasons dictate the way wolves live, the following is a typical seasonal cycle of the Grey Wolf.

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Cute Pups...

*~Spring~*
In the spring the wolf devotes it time to digging or remodeling an existing den,both male and female wolves take part in making the den. The den is only used for birthing and rearing the young.

The den is usually on an elevated area, on a hill, or high on a river bank, also important is proximity to water. The den is usually oval shaped, with just enough space for momma and the pups and it is about 10 to 15 feet deep ending in a 4 foot chamber.~

*~Autumn~*
The wolves now begin the winter preparations, the wolf's coat becomes deep and dense. Wolf pups at this time know about snow instinctively, yet the first experience with snow is a exuberant experience for them.~

The pups have now been on the packs hunts, they still have much to learn. At this time the young wolves are around 50 pounds, they will not reach there full size for months to come. The pack will now have to migrate with their prey, for the predator must stay close to the prey species. The fall is a natural dispersal time for most wild animals. Some wolves (those at two and half years) may leave and find mates and to start their own pack.~

Winter Nap..

*~Summer~*
The summer is a time of growth, the Winter coat is long gone, replaced by a short summer coat. At This time the pups are still using the den, the mother will again start hunting with the pact, the pups are never left alone. This is a time of play and fun for the pups, the adult wolves put up with a lot of puppy abuse!. At about eight weeks of age they abandon the den and move to a 'rendezvous' site. these areas are more centrally located to the area that the pack is hunting.~

This is a time the young wolves learn to hunt, eventually they will be part of the hunt, there place in the pack will also start to be determined.~

Most of the wolves' activities take place at night, this is to avoid the heat of the day. The wolf will follow the gravel bars and river beds, they will also keep to the high ridges for a good view of possible prey. The way wolves hunt in the summer is similar to winter hunting, but they are not hampered by the elements.

*~Winter~*
In winter the wolf's thick coat keeps them warm even on the coldest nights, they have practically no body heat loss through their fur(snow will not melt on a wolf's fur).
At night the wolf curls up, it covers its nose with its long tail. What this does is hold the warm air exhaled over the feet and nose, warming them. When the wolf inhales the air is filtered through the tail and is warmed by the exhaled air before it is breathed in. The Wolf will feed heavily in the fall, just before winter. Hunting is difficult in the winter, the pack may have periods of inactivity and extra stores of fat will help them survive in these times.~

When hunting in winter the wolf will conserve energy whenever possible, by following the same trail as the prey animal, staying upwind, and staying out of sight of the prey as long as possible.Wolves will more likely prey on young, sick or older animals past there prime, but the wolf being opportunistic will hunt a strong healthy animal.