Hey Kids! Do you want to learn all about Arctic Wolves? Did you know that Arctic Wolves are mammals? Did you know that climate change is affecting their ability to find food? To find out more about Arctic Wolves, check out these Arctic Wolf facts for kids!
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What is an Arctic Wolf?
Arctic Wolves are mammals. They are part of the wolf family and are subspecies of the gray wolf.
Where do Arctic Wolves live?
Arctic Wolves live in frigid climates, sometimes reaching -30 degrees. They live in the Arctic Circle, Alaska, Northern Canada, Iceland, and Greenland. Other animals that live in the Arctic include the Arctic Fox, Reindeer, and Polar Bears.
What do Arctic Wolves Look Like?
Arctic Wolves have two layers of white fur to protect them against cold temperatures.
The inner layer works as a waterproof barrier for the skin.
The outer layer is thick to keep them warm.
During the winter months, the outer layer will get thicker to keep the Arctic Wolf warm.
Arctic Wolves are a little bit smaller than gray wolves.
They have shorter legs, ears, and muzzles than the gray wolf.
Arctic Wolves can weigh up to 150 pounds however the average weight is 75 pounds.
They are usually between 3-6 feet long.
Arctic Wolves have 42 very sharp teeth.
They are fast runners sometimes running up to 40 miles per hour.
Arctic Wolves have a good sense of smell, hearing, and sight.
Arctic Wolves usually live in packs of 5-7 wolves but sometimes live alone.
What do Arctic Wolves Eat?
Arctic Wolves are carnivores meaning they eat meat.
They will eat arctic fox, arctic hares, lemmings, and seals but mostly caribou and musk oxen.
Often, when an Arctic Wolf’s prey is larger than them, they will hunt in wolf packs.
When they kill a big animal, it can feed the pack for a couple of days.
Wolves in the pack will guard the food so other animals won’t eat it.
The lifespan of the Arctic Wolf is 7-10 years.
Baby Arctic Wolves
Mother wolves give birth to baby wolves called pups in the Spring.
The mother usually gives birth to 2-3 pups but sometimes more.
Pups are born blind, deaf, and weigh about 1 pound. They are dependent on their mothers when they are born.
Pups eat regurgitated food from their mothers. Regurgitated food is food eaten, then thrown up and swallowed again.
Predators
Arctic Wolves do not have many predators because of the harsh climate surrounding them. Other wolves are their main predator and sometimes polar bears.
The main threat to Arctic Wolves is climate change making it hard to find food.
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