Aside from humans, wolves are the most socially advanced mammals on Earth. They live together in packs of up to 30 members. Only the dominant male and female are allowed to mate. This ensures that that pack's population does not outgrow its habitat. Wolves usually mate for life and they are excellent parents. They have between three and 13 pups per litter. Other male and female pack members help care for the young pups. Wolf pups are raised until they are two years old.

Wolves are a good example of animal communication. They speak to each other with highly developed body signals and a variety of howls. Although they howl for many reasons, it is usually to located each other or to establish territory.

Wolves often hunt together with other pack members. They can reach speeds up to 18 kilometers per hour, and can run all night long in search of prey. Wolves usually catch only one-tenth of the animals they chase. Since they usually kill old or sick animals, wolves help keep game species healthy. When game population drops the number of wolves also decreases.

Although farmers often shoot wolves, their livestock is usually not at risk. Wolves fear humans and prefer to stay within their territories. They rarely venture farther unless their habitat has been reduced or destroyed by humans. Wolves sometimes go hungry for two or more weeks, especially during winter when games is  scarce.

In some cultures the wolf is respected and honored. They value the wolves' ability to live in harmony with their environments. The brightest star in the western sky is still called the "Wolf Star" by some Native tribes.

 



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