Wolf Facts

[Shadowed-Eclipse]

Wolf Facts

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Remember to go over all the wolf facts if you don't know anything, or very little, about wolves. It will be very useful to know this information when roleplaying and dealing with other characters.

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There are only a very few different species of wolves, but, just like the mountain lion, there are many names for them. Most species or sub-species have descended from the Gray Wolf. Some wolves have evolved simply to adapt to their surroundings, and therefore their appearance differs slightly, and depending on their habitat, so will their diet and sometimes their behaviour. This is the cause for different names.

The most common type of wolf is the Gray Wolf. It is also known as the:

Timber Wolf

Mountain wolf

Dire wolf (The very first, now extinct, wolf)

Arctic/Tundra wolf

Lobo wolf

Plains wolf

Buffalo wolf

(For more information on wolf breeds go to the Wolf Breeds page)

A wolf is fully mature by the age of 2 years, and no sooner. It may act mature, of course, but it's body may still be growing until it's 2, or even 3 years old. An average wolf has 42 teeth. Fangs are typically 2 inches long, a little bigger or smaller depending on the wolf size, but not much difference.

Wolf Behavior and Language

Behavior:

Aggression/Anger: Ears are slightly down, not pinned back but pointed forward, the same as a dominant wolf. Eyes are either open normal, or they are wide. Tail is pointed straight out, legs are stiff, and fur may bristle on neck (the mane) and the hackles on hips and shoulders may raise, tail can bristle as well. Teeth may also be bared, tongue may flick across teeth, or curl upwards. The lips are pursed forward rather than drawn back like that of a fearful wolf. Often gives a hard stare right into the other wolf's eyes, either as a challenge or a threat.

Happiness: Tail is held upwards while wagging, tongue may loll out. Head is held up with ears in a neutral position.

Playful: The front end is bowed down, ears may point straight forward or backwards, but not down. The wolf jumps and bounces about, sometimes pawing at a wolf it is playing with. Tail is held high while wagging.

Relaxed: All facial expression is neutral, ears are neutral, tail is held low, usually pointing straight down. All movement is very calm and free, no stiffness in legs.

Cautious/Alert: Ears are pointed forward for better listening, movement is slow, legs may be stiff. Tail is pointed straight out, parallel to the ground, or sometimes held low with a lift only at the base of the tail. An alert wolf, if it is stalking, may crouch low to the ground with all the same bodily postures, tail low.

Submissive: Ears are pinned back, eyes are usually narrow, but may be wide if the wolf is afraid. Wolf may crouch or lower itself to the ground. Tail is between the legs slightly, or with extreme submission/fear it is tucked right under the belly. Passive submissive means the wolf has rolled onto its back showing the vulnerable throat and underbelly to the dominant wolf. Paws are often curled into its body while on its back, but if the other wolf comes closer it may reach out with fore paws or hold back wolves with hind legs. Active submissive wolves hold themselves lower than the dominant wolf, but are not on the ground. They show fear, and may try to show friendliness as well, and for respect to the dominant one may lick at the chin or muzzle and whimper or whine. Doesn't hold eye contact, and eyes are usually narrowed.

Fear: Ears are back, eyes are open wide. If it is fear of a dominant wolf, then the actions are similar to submission. If it is a threat that it fears or it is in danger, the wolf will give a warning by baring its teeth and growling. It may look aggressive, but the ears are typically flat against its head, tail is low or tucked between the legs, and the lips are pulled back in a sort of grimace. The muzzle is usually held to the side slightly, and it will avoid direct eye contact, giving only short side-glances. A fearful wolf will always flee when its warning is not heeded, but if it becomes cornered it will turn and fight.

Dominant: The wolf holds its head high, tail is held very high and stiff, legs are often stiff, though it takes long graceful strides when showing off dominance to the pack. The chest and legs are made to look very powerful during a show of dominance. The wolf may often look aggressive, but usually not with teeth bared. Lips are pursed, and may occassionally reveal teeth if it is attempting to make another wolf submit. Will stare down any wolf.

Language (Vocal)

Growl: A low rumbling noise made in the throat and chest, often associated with anger and aggression. The growl may also be used to show annoyance, a threat, or to ward off something that a wolf fears. A wolf may also growl playfully or affectionately.

Bark: A sharp noise made to show annoyance, anger/aggression, or to alert other wolves of danger. It may also be used in a playful way.

Snarl: A higher level of growling, it is used to express extreme anger or aggression, often is followed by a fight, and is accompanied by the baring of teeth.

Howl: A long drawn out sound made by the wolf. May often sound sad or melancholy, it is used to bring a pack together, announce the hunt, mark territory, show loneliness, and is sometimes used just because a wolf wants to howl.

Yip: A high pitched noise, much like a bark, used when playing.

Yelp: A high pitched, sharp noise often used out of surprise, fear or pain.

Whine: A low noise used to show sadness or fear, often used when a wolf is in submission.

Whimper: A low noise, much like a whine, is used when a wolf is sad or in pain.

Woof: A half barking noise that is used to alert the pack.

Murr: A low purring noise used to show affection

Wruff: An under the breath kind of bark, like muttering something under your breath.

If you need more info on wolves, or if the info here is not clear to you, just use Google to search out some useful sites on wolves. Make sure to view two or three sources, because not every source is entirely reliable, and they often contradict one another.


So, now that you know all about wolves, please don't post a five foot tall wolf that weighs 250 lbs, I will become very irritated and tell you to redo your stats. Any questions? Just ask me (Shadowed-Eclipse), the manager.

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