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 Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 1:35 pm
Learn more about Dire Wolves here.
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 1:37 pm
Overview:The Dire Wolf is an extinct carnivorous mammal of the genus Canis, and was most common in North America and South America during the Pleistocene period. Although it was closely related to the Gray Wolf, it was not the direct ancestor of any species known today. Unlike the Gray Wolf, which is of Eurasian origin, the Dire Wolf evolved on the North American continent, along with the Coyote. The Dire Wolf co-existed with the Gray Wolf in North America for about 100,000 years.
The Dire Wolf was slightly larger than the Gray Wolf, averaging about 1.5 meters (5 ft) in length and weighing about 57–79 kilograms (125–175 lb). Despite superficial similarities to the Gray Wolf, there were significant differences between the two species. The legs of the Dire Wolf were proportionally shorter and sturdier than those of the Gray Wolf, and its brain case was smaller than that of a similarly-sized gray wolf.Information from Wikipedia
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 1:38 pm
Behavior:
Dire Wolves are pack-orientated mammals who fight amongst each other to become the Alpha Male or Female of the group. They will hunt together and usually are good with making sure woman and children get fed first. Elderly Dire Wolves usually are highly respected due to their wise nature. They lead the pack on hunts along side the Alpha Male, while the elderly females stay back in the dens with the pups, to help first time mothers. They communicate by a series of growls, grunts, howls, and body language (such as their tails, ears and posture).
Their prey consists of any smaller mammal they can get their teeth on and in times of dire crisis, they will feast on vegetation in order to try and keep some strength.
Dens are usually found in caves, by rocks, or other areas where young can be hid away until they're old enough. Dire Wolves can be very territorial and will often fight other packs if the boundary lines are crossed. However, they usually stay within a 2 mile radius of their dens unless hunting.
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 1:39 pm
Mating:
Mating occurs in the early spring month, consisting of litters up to three pups.
They can mate during any time of the year but usually early spring is the most common. Any Dire Wolf in a pack can mate however they do not go around spreading their genes like wild fire. They usually find a mate and settle down with them, only finding another if their mate dies.
Males usually display their fighting skills with various sparing matches with other males if they are interested in the same female. However usually a mate is found over time, and their relationship starts out as friends.
Females can be very protective of their young and usually hide them away in the den for protection. Males will go out and hunt, bringing food back to their mate and pups. As the pups get older, the fathers take them out to teach them about hunting and life in general. Never will a parent drive their pup away after adulthood.
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 1:41 pm
Frequently Asked Questions.
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