Origin:
The wolf (Canis lupus) is a large carnivore that originally inhabited large areas of Eurasia, North America and North Asia. Today, its range has expanded to include parts of Central and Eastern Europe, where it was once extinct. The wolf is the ancestor of domestic dogs and is a well-known symbol of the wild.

Specifics:
Appearance: The wolf has a robust body with a strong build. Its fur is mostly gray, brown to black, while some individuals may have white or almost black fur. It has long legs, large paws and a long tail. Its head is broad with large ears and prominent teeth.
Size: Adult wolves reach a height of 60–90 cm at the withers and weigh 30–50 kg, with males usually larger than females.
Behavior: The wolf is a social predator that lives in groups, so-called packs. The pack has a strict hierarchy, where the leading pair ensures reproduction and leads the hunt. The wolf is very intelligent and can develop complex hunting strategies.

Interesting facts:
Pack hunting: The wolf is known for its coordinated hunting. The pack hunts large prey such as deer, elk, wild boars and other large animals. Coordinated hunting is effective due to precise communication and the division of tasks between pack members.
Vocalizations: The wolf is known for its howling, which is used to communicate with other pack members. Howling can also help wolves find their way around large areas and also signal the presence of other packs.
Excellent hunters: The wolf is a very persistent hunter. It can run long distances in search of food and when hunting prey.
Occurrence:
The wolf is widespread in various areas of the world, especially in the northern regions of Europe, Asia and North America. It was once extirpated in many countries, but its populations are now expanding again, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, where it has been reintroduced into some national parks and reserves. It occurs in a variety of habitats, from tundra to forests and mountains.

Wolf hunting:
Wolf hunting is regulated and in many countries is only carried out during certain seasons or under strict conditions. The wolf is often hunted for its fur, meat, but also for the protection of livestock. In many areas where the wolf is re-occurring, measures are in place to protect it, but in some regions there is still a problem with illegal hunting.