Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Arctic wolf

Scientific name: Canis lupus arctos


Arctic wolf

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: CANIDAE

Group: Mammals

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 100 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.01-31.03

Gestation: 63 jours

Births: 01.05-30.06


Habitat:
Tundra, boreal forests, and Arctic mountains of North America, Northern Europe, and Greenland

Description:
The Arctic Wolf is a subspecies of the gray wolf, primarily found in the cold and snowy regions of the Arctic, particularly in northern Canada, Alaska, and Greenland. It measures about 1.5 to 2 meters in length, including its tail, and weighs between 30 and 50 kg, with males generally being larger than females. Its coat is thick and pure white, allowing it to blend perfectly into the snowy landscapes. This wolf has evolved to adapt to the extreme conditions of its environment, with wide paws that allow it to walk in deep snow, and dense fur that protects it from the cold. The Arctic Wolf lives in family groups, typically consisting of 5 to 10 individuals, who hunt together for prey such as caribou, birds, and other mammals. Although this subspecies is adapted to its environment, it is vulnerable to climate change, which affects the distribution of its prey and natural habitat. The Arctic Wolf is also threatened by hunting and habitat loss due to human activity.

Recommended lens:
>=400 mm

Photography tips:
Use a telephoto lens to photograph the Arctic wolf, particularly when it is hunting or moving in groups across the tundra. The soft light of the morning or evening is ideal for capturing the beauty of its white fur. Be discreet and respect their space, as these animals are very wary and can be easily disturbed.

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