Hunting

[Life and Death]

Wolves kill only to eat, to survive. Because wolves usually hunt for large animals, although they will eat smaller prey, they work together to catch their prey. Wolves will eat a healthy, strong animal if they can catch it. Wolves need an average of three to ten pounds of meat each day.

Hunting is not always successful, so their bodies are designed to feast or famine. Wolves can eat as much as 22 pounds of meat at a time and then may not eat again for many days. Wolves require from one to three quarts of water per day, depending on the size of the animal, the climate, and the moisture content of the prey.

When hunting in winter the wolf will conserve energy when ever possible, by following the same trail as the prey animal, staying upwind, and staying out of sight of the prey as long as possible. When it is time to strike the wolf will start wagging their tails with excitement. Some times when young pups are with the hunt they may dash after the prey in the excitement and spoil the hunt.