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 Arctic Wolf (Canis lupus arctos). Photo © AioK / Shutterstock. Arctic Wolf (Canis lupus arctos)The Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos) is a subspecies of the Grey wolf (Canis lupus). Adult Arctic wolves are between 25 and 31 inches in height (measured at shoulder) and reach weights of up to 175 pounds. Females tend to be smaller and lighter than males. They measure between 3 and 5 feet from head to tail. Their thick coat is off-white. Arctic wolves live in groups of 7 to 10 individuals. Occasionally, Arctic wolves form groups of larger numbers (up to 30 individuals). They reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years and have gestation preiods of 53 to 61 days. Litters usually include 4 to 5 pups. Their average livespan is about 7 years. Classification: The Arctic wolf is one of numerous subspecies of grey wolves:
New to animal classification? Find out more about how scientists classify animals. Habitat: Arctic land masses. Do not inhabit permanent Arctic ice sheets. Diet: Arctic hares, lemmings, caribou, musk ox. Status: Many populations of wolves are stable or increasing. A few populations are declining. For more information about the status of wolves in various locations, see worldwide wolf status. References:
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