Arctic Wolf - Five Sisters Zoo

The Arctic Wolf is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf and makes its home in the far northern stretches of Alaska, Canada and Greenland. They are a critical part of the Arctic ecosystem, helping to keep other animals species such as the musk ox and Caribou in balance.

 

Facts

Diet: Carnivore; musk ox, caribou and Arctic hare

Weight: 30-80kg

Length: 1-1.7 m

Habitat: Northern North America and Greenland; Arctic tundra with minimal plant growth and heavy snow/ice

Life span: 7 to 10 years in the wild; under human care, they can live as long as 15 years

Adapted to survive

  • Small ears compared with other grey wolves to limit the heat loss in the frozen artic temperatures.
  • Two layered thick and highly insulated fur covers their body.
  • Thick layer of fat to insulate them and store nutrients to survive the scarce food supply during winter.
  • Their fur grows thicker in winter months to protect them from the cold.
  • Their howling can be heard up a distance of 10 kilometres, helping to keep packs together in the snow and dark

Threats

  • Climate change decreasing abundance of prey species and altering habitat
  • Human expansion and encroachment

 

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

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