Although elk is still the primary prey, bison has become an increasingly important food source for wolves. That ratio reversed from 2001 to 2007, indicating changes in prey vulnerability and availability. Leading cause of death for wolves outside the park is human-caused.įrom 1995 to 2000, in early winter, elk calves comprised 50% of wolf prey, and bull elk comprised 25%.Leading cause of death for wolves within the park is death by other wolves.Young emerge from den at 10–14 days pack remains at the den for three to ten weeks unless disturbed.Give birth to average of five pups in April after a gestation period of 63 days.In Yellowstone, 90% of winter diet is elk summer prey consist of more deer and smaller mammals. Two main color variations exist in Yellowstone in approximately equal proportions: black and gray.The oldest known wolf here was 12.5 years old. Average lifespan outside is two to three years. Average lifespan in the park is four to five years.Home range within the park is 185–310 square miles (300– 500 km 2) varies with pack size, food availability, and season.Males weigh 100–130 pounds, females weigh 80–110 pounds.
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