MEXICAN GRAY WOLF

MEXICAN GRAY WOLFCanis lupus baileyi

Conservation Status: Endangered

Part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP).

statusbar_endangered copy

CLASS

Mammalia

ORDER

Carnivora

FAMILY

Canidae

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General Characteristics

Color: 

Mix of buff, gray, red and black

Size:

4 ½ - 5 ½ ft snout to tail, 26 – 32 inches tall 

Weight:

60 – 80 lbs

Average Lifespan: 

5-6 years

Captive Lifespan:

15 years 

Distribution:

Once ranging from central Mexico to southwestern Texas, southern New Mexico and southeastern Arizona.

Habitat:

Mountain forests, grasslands and shrub lands.

Reproduction:

Mating: 

Mid February – mid March

Gestation/Incubation:

About 60 days

Litter/Clutch Size:

2-8 pups

Mature: 

1-3 years

Diet:

White-tailed deer, mule deer, elk and smaller mammals such as rabbits, ground squirrels and mice.

Behavior:

A pack averages 5-8 individuals.  Wolves use a sophisticated communication system consisting of vocalization, scent, and body posture.

Teaching Facts:

1. Of the five North American subspecies, the Mexican wolf is the smallest in size.

2. USFWS is currently reintroducing wolves in southwestern Arizona and New Mexico, there are appox. 42.