Gray wolf
The
gray wolf[a], also known as the
timber wolf,[5][6]
true wolf[7] or
western wolf[c] is a canid native to the wilderness and remote areas of North America, Eurasia, and North Africa. It is the largest extant member of its family, with males averaging 43–45 kg, and females 36–38.5 kg.[9] Like the red wolf, it is distinguished from other
Canis species by its larger size and less pointed features, particularly on the ears and muzzle.[10] Its winter fur is long and bushy, and predominantly a mottled gray in color, although nearly pure white, red, or brown to black also occur.[6] The gray wolf is the most specialised member of the genus
Canis, as demonstrated by its morphological adaptations to hunting large prey, its more gregarious nature,[11] and its highly advanced expressive behavior.[12][13] It is nonetheless closely related enough to smaller
Canis species, such as the eastern wolf,[8] coyote[14] and golden jackal[15][16] to produce fertile hybrids.