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Hudson Bay wolf |
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He is a wild animal |
Origin |
Canada | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
| The possession of this animal is not authorized Royal Decree establishing the list of mammals not kept for production purposes that may be kept (M.B. 24.08.2009) |
| The Hudson Bay wolf, sometimes called the tundra wolf, was classified in 1941 as a subspecies of gray wolf Canis lupus hudsonicus by senior biologist Edward A. Goldman. Found in Canada west of Hudson Bay, from northern Manitoba to the Northwest Territories and beyond, they sometimes migrate south in winter with caribou herds. Hudson Bay wolves are medium-sized, averaging 1.22 to 1.52 m in body length and 71 to 92 cm in height. Their weight can vary from 36 to 64 kg, with females being slightly smaller than males. They have bushy hair that can vary from light gray to yellowish-white or cream. Their hair seems to be lighter in winter. They are said to generally resemble the Mackenzie Valley wolf, but are smaller. Hunting in packs, they will prey on large ungulates such as caribou, moose and bison. When large prey are not so abundant, they also feed on carrion and small animals. On average, they need around 4.5 kg of meat a day. Mating usually takes place in spring between the pack's alpha couple. Gestation lasts 62 to 65 days, after which the mother gives birth to an average of 4 to 6 cubs. They are brown in color and deaf and blind for the first 10 days. After several weeks, they begin to leave the den, but are still suckled for 2-3 months. All members of the group are involved in raising the young. They reach full maturity at 2 years. The status of the Hudson Bay wolf has not been assessed by the IUCN. Although it is considered by many to be endangered. Its lifespan in the wild is around 10 years. |
English (United Kingdom)