Polar wolves are a type of ordinary wolves. They belong to the Canidae family and the wolf genus. According to their external characteristics, they do not differ from representatives of the species of ordinary gray wolves. Their characteristic color is determined by their habitat.
Polar wolves are quite large mammals. Their body size reaches about 1.5 meters in length with a height of 1 meter. Body weight ranges from 85 to 90 kilograms. Sometimes polar wolves can be even larger, but the number of such representatives is quite small.
Sexual dimorphism consists in the fact that females are 15% smaller than males. The distinctive fur of polar wolves is characterized by a strong density and white color, which has a reddish tinge. The limbs are muscular and long. The tail is short, covered with thick and luxuriant hair.
The range of polar wolves is concentrated on the territory of the Arctic tundra, with the exception of icy spaces. These representatives are also found in dark polar areas. The animals have adapted to the harsh conditions of the Arctic, which is why they are able to withstand low temperatures for a long time, often starve and do not have access to sunlight.
At the moment, these predatory animals inhabit the most barren areas of the earth. Temperatures have not risen above -30 degrees Celsius since April, and the entire territory is affected by strong and gusty winds. And the diversity of wildlife in the Arctic is limited.
Since the Arctic consists almost entirely of open spaces, polar wolves can hide in order to unexpectedly grab their prey. Their main food is musk oxen and deer. Less often, the diet of wolves includes small lemmings and polar hares. Hunting is conducted in packs.
If a herd of musk oxen runs near the wolves, they give chase. During this time, the musk oxen manage to take up a circular defense. Then the animals are forced to wait, because they will not be able to break through the barrier of horns and hooves.
Polar wolves can run around the herd, as a result of which they musk oxen can change their position, breaking the circle. However, this tactic does not always work. If they manage to do this, then the musk ox becomes a fairly simple prey. Wolves go in pursuit of a single victim, and then grab it together and knock it to the ground.
With the onset of winter, organized packs of polar wolves begin to look for places with a more favorable climate where they can find prey. They migrate south following the reindeer herds. If a polar wolf has not had access to food for a long time, then it eats about 10 kilograms of meat. They butcher the carcasses with their powerful fangs, and the meat is swallowed almost immediately.
The breeding season begins in March. Pregnancy lasts about 63 days. An average of 4 cubs are born. Offspring are produced only by the female leader, who is chosen among the other females of the pack. If another female becomes pregnant, her litter is immediately destroyed. This is due to the insufficient amount of food on their territory, which is why wolves cannot acquire numerous offspring.
After the end of the mating season, the female separates from the pack and searches for a safe haven. Sometimes she arranges it on her own, but most often she inhabits the crevices of the rocks. The cubs appear very weak with a weight of about 400 grams at birth.
For the first time, small polar wolves spend time with a female. She feeds them milk, and at the age of one month they begin to eat semi-digested meat, which the male regurgitates. While the female is busy caring for and keeping track of the cubs, the male goes in search of food. If the cubs are well-fed, they quickly get back on their feet. With the onset of summer, they join a pack of adult wolves. And at the age of 3, the animals become sexually mature.
Polar wolves live in the wild for 5 to 15 years. Despite their good health, prolonged periods of hunger significantly shorten their life expectancy. It is extremely rare for polar wolves to be attacked by bears. There are fights between the wolves themselves. In captivity, these animals live up to 20 years.
