More on Red Wolfs

Little has been written about the family life or habits of the red wolf, but we can assume they are probably similar to those of the gray wolf (page 16) or coyote (page 52). Four to seven pups are usually born at a time. The mother is a competent nurse, leaving the den for short periods of time to procure food left by her mate, then returning to her litter. The father hunts diligently to supply his family with food until the young are ready to leave the den several weeks later. As the pups grow and their appetites become more demanding, it requires the combined efforts of the parents to feed themselves and the young ones.
The pups are intelligent and quickly learn the rudiments of stalking and hunting by observing the adult wolves. The parents are patient with the playful offspring, continuing the schooling until they are full grown, and in many cases maintaining a social relationship even after they are fully self-supporting.
(From:Album of North American Animals, by: Vera Dugdale)


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