Know More About Wolves And Foxes And Their Species

The dog family includes wolves, foxes and jackals. The familiar domesticated dogs, which have been bred into a huge number of different shapes and sizes, probably originated from the grey or timber wolf. Unlike cats, dogs tend to hunt in groups, called packs. Their long, powerful legs enable them to run well and for long periods.

The common or grey wolf,  the largest of the dogs and found in forest, tundra and mountains, varies in appearance across its range. It is also called the timber wolf, steppe wolf, tundra wolf and plains wolf.

Wolves eat a wide range of food, from deer to small mammals and even berries and other fruits. Even though they are common in some places, wolves are very rarely a danger to people. There are 35 species of dogs and relatives. The thirty five species, including grey wolf, live in North America, Europe and across Asia.

Red wolf is found in south eastern North America and is exceptionally rare now. Coyotes are common in parts of North and Central America. They are rather like smaller versions of wolves and their strange night howls are the ‘call of the wild’. The maned wolf lives in tall grassland in South America. It has long, graceful legs and attractive red-brown hair. Like pet dogs, wolves put their ears back and bare their teeth when they feel in danger.

Four species of Jackals live in Africa, Southeast Europe and South Asia; Dingo is found in Australia. Dhole or Asian wild dog is found in India, China, and Southeast Asia; African wild dog is mainly found in Southern Africa.

21 species of Foxes are found worldwide except Australia. Red or Common Fox is one of the most adaptable and widespread of all mammals, living in remote country and also scavenging in towns and cities.