Wolf
Last Update/Review: August 12, 2002
Seasons
(last update 98 May)
A resident hunter may hunt wolf, without a licence, from the opening
of any big game season in a particular Wildlife Management Unit (sub-unit
of a hunting region) to May 31 (or until June 15, where black bear
seasons are open).
A non-resident of Alberta, who holds a wolf/coyote licence, may hunt
wolf from the opening of any big game season in a particular Wildlife
Management Unit to the end of May. However, where black bear seasons
are open, he or she may hunt wolf until June 15.
Specific season information is provided in the current Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations, available on-line and in hard copy.
Wolf (Canis lupus)
(last update 98 May)
Wolves are the largest member of the wild dog family, and may weigh up to 60 kg (130 lb.), or are rarely larger. The fur is commonly gray with dark shading, but may vary in color from near black to almost white. Coats are long and dense, and ears are thickly furred. Large feet aid in travelling over snow. The wolf is distinguished from the coyote by its larger size, broader face, and less-pointed muzzle.
Wolves are social animals found in packs numbering from 2 to over 20. Pack size tends to be largest in winter.
In Alberta, mating usually occurs in February or March. In May, the female retires to a well-hidden den and gives birth to a litter of five to seven pups. Both parents, as well as other members of the pack, bring food to the young until they are about 4 months old and are ready to participate in hunts. Moose, deer, elk and caribou are the main food of wolves, but their diet may include beaver, hare, fish and some plant material.
In North America, wolves once ranged from Mexico to the high Arctic. As the continent was settled, their range was greatly restricted and numbers declined substantially. In Alberta, wolves are found in mountain, foothill and boreal regions. Wolves are not considered rare or endangered in the province.
Natural Resources Service estimates the provincial population (in Sept.) to be about 4,000 animals. This estimate is based on population counts in selected areas, and trapper and hunter harvest information.
Go to Wolves in Alberta for an overview of the biology, history and management of this animal in the province.
