~Mysteries of the Grey Wolf~
~Life and Captivity~

~*~Once tame, always Wild~*~

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 ~*~Wolves of the Area~*~ | ~Classification~ | *~Basic Information~* | ~Annual Cycle~ | ~Life and Captivity~ | ~*~Pack Life~*~ | ~*~Statistics~*~ | *~*Myths and Stories*~* | ~*Ranks*~ | *~Senses~* | ~*Skeleton and Teeth*~ | ~Paw Structure and Speed~ | *~History~* | ~*~Sub-Species~*~ | ~*~Relatives~*~ | ~Bonding and Mating~ | ~Injuries and Diseases~ | ~*~DNA~*~ | ~*Body Language*~ | *~*Endangered*~* | *~Muscles~* | ~~*Quick Facts*~~ | ~*Hunting and Killing*~ | ~*~Foundations~*~ | ~*Wolf Pictures*~ | ~*Wolf Poetry*~ | ~*Terms*~ | *~Links and Credits~* | ~*Awards*~

Life Span

In the wild wolves can live up to 10 years or more, in a protected wolf park or a controlled area of land, a wolf can live to be up to 16 years old. But most wolves usually live to be to around 8 years of age. The record wolf life span is about 20 years of age. Life in the wild is difficult for the wolf, with human population taking up more and more wolf habitat, and with those who would kill the wolf, a long life span is unlikely. In a controlled environment they can live longer because they are safe from the outside dangers of traps, snares,enemies and poisons.

*~Why Captivity?~*

Wolves are often placed in captivity for several reasons.

One:
There parents were killed off, and they were left as orphan pups. No doubt, they never could survive. So specialists retreive them and bring them into captivity to be raised, and given a life that would have otherwise been taken from them.

Two:
Injury or disease is often a cause for wolf captivity. Again specialists will go and retreive the poor wolves and bring them to a place where they can live peacefully.

Three:
Some wolves are seen as a nusence, farmers and ranchers complain that they kill livestock. But without the proper evidence, specialists are required, well asked to take the -trouble making- wolves into captivity.

Four:
Breeding purposes, instead of letting an endangered race go extinct, wolve at the prime age will be brough into captivity to be bred.

Five:
Some people seem to think they can keep wolves as -pets-! Very very wrong, the wolf is a wild animal, and will always be wild. Anyways back to the point, I have read several -true- stories, about people keeping wolves as pets and than trying to kill them because of certain reasons. (Not attack or anything) and Specialists will have to step in and put the wolf in Captivity.

~*My opinion*~

~*Although I personally do not believe in captivity to certain extents. Without it, many breeds of wolf would be extinct. Once a wolf is put in captivity, it will never be the full fledged canine, so wild and mysterious that runs freely in the wild.~*

~*Captivity gives the wolf a new chance at a life that could have otherwise be taken from them. But I do -NOT- see why people think they can have wolves as pets! It ruins there chance at a natural, true life. Something they so very much deserve.~*