The wolf is a large canine native to Eurasia and North America. More than thirty subspecies of Canis lupus have been recognized, and gray wolves, as well as red wolves and eastern wolves, are common in many areas.
The wolf is a species of canine native to the wilderness and remote areas of Eurasia and North America. The wolf is the largest member of the Canidae family, with males averaging 43–45 kg (95–99 lb), and females 36–38.5 kg (79–85 lb). Wolves range in color from grizzled grey or black to all-white.
The history of the wolf is shrouded in mystery and legend. The species has been revered and feared by humans for centuries, and has been the subject of many folktales and works of fiction.
The earliest known wolf fossils date back to 300,000 years ago, making the wolf one of the oldest known mammal species. The wolf is thought to have evolved from a now-extinct species of canine known as Canis priscolatrans.
The wolf was once widespread across the northern hemisphere, but has since been exterminated in much of its former range. Today, the wolf is protected in many areas, but remains persecuted in others.