Arctic Wolf
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Sub-zero temperatures and long stretches of darkness make the Circumpolar North an uninviting ecosystem for all but the hardiest of animals.
Enter the Arctic Wolf (Canis lupus arctos), one of approximately three dozen Gray Wolf (lupis) subspecies found world wide, and one of approximately one dozen North American lupis species.
In fact, the name Arctic Wolf may be a misnomer because a handful of lupis subspecies, such as canis lupus ligoni, canis lupus manningi, canis lupus orion and canis lupus tendrarum also inhabit territory in the Circumpolar North.
Canis lupus arctos is known for its white fur, an environmental adaptation.
Like all wolves, they are pack animals that participate in group hunts. Their sparse surroundings means they will hunt most of the native species from the small rabbits to the large caribou.
© 2010 Patricia A. Michaels