Arctic Wolf

The Arctic Wolf (Canis lupus arctos), also called Polar Wolf or White Wolf, is a mammal of the Canidae family, and a subspecies of the Gray Wolf. The Arctic Wolf inhabits the Canadian Arctic and the northern parts of Greenland.

Arctic Wolf generally is smaller than Gray Wolf, being about 3 to 6 feet long including the tail; males are larger than females. Their shoulder heights vary from 25 to 31 inches; Arctic Wolf is bulkier than a Gray Wolf, often weighing over 100 pounds (45 Kgs). Weights of up to 175 pounds (80 kgs) have been observed in full-grown males. The Arctic Wolf usually have small ears, which help the wolf maintain body heat. Arctic Wolf has achieved lifespans of over 18 years in captivity; however, in the wild, the average lifespan is only 7-10 years.

Arctic Wolf, like all wolves, hunt in packs; they mostly prey on Caribou and musk oxen, but will also kill a number of Arctic Hares, and lemmings, as well as other smaller animals. Moose are also common prey; their long legs may render them slow and, at times, stuck, in thick snow, leaving them vulnerable to attacks by wolf packs. Due to the scarcity of grazing plants, they roam large areas to find prey up to and beyond 2600 km² (1000 square miles), and they will follow migrating caribou south during the winter. They are born with grey fur, which changes over to white as they mature.

The Arctic Wolf and the Timber Wolf are the only subspecies of the Gray Wolf that still can be found over the whole of its original range; largely because in their natural habitat they rarely encounter humans.

The White Wolf Sanctuary is a refuge for arctic wolves located in Oregon. The average population of wolves in the sanctuary is 8-10 over 40 acres, all of which are rescued wolves who were injured, unwanted or abandoned.