Arctic Wolf

Species Description

The Arctic Wolf is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf, and is a little bit smaller in size as well. Their fur coats are mostly all white in color, and has two layers (an inner layer an an outer layer). The inner layer of their fur is waterproof, while the outer layer growth thicker during winter. This protects their skin and keeps them warm in harsh conditions.

Habitat

The Arctic Wolf lives in the Arctic and Polar Regions. These regions include Alaska, Greenland, and Canada. However, the majority of Arctic Wolves live in Alaska. 

Role in Ecosystem

Arctic Wolves are carnivores and hunt the animals around them. Because of their environment, they are able to conserve the animals that they do hunt and prey on both small and large animals. This has also enabled them to master their hunting skills, making them almost always successful whenever making contact with prey. These wolves play a key role in regulating the population of other species.

Cause of Decline

Since humans generally can't tolerate the cold temperatures of their environment, hunting is not a huge concern for them. Their biggest threat is a lack of food. Through climate change and industrialization, their food supply is dying and getting cut off. The lack of food threatens them and doesn't allow them to fully thrive or be self sufficient.

Importance

Since Arctic Wolves help regulate the population, their extinction would cause an overpopulation in some animals. With excess animals fighting for a limited food supply, this would eventually cause an endangerment in more species.

Conservation Efforts

In Tidewater, Oregon there is a refuge for Arctic Wolves called "The White Wolf Sanctuary." This refuge rescues injured and abandoned wolves. Some of their goals are to provide a safe environment for their wolves and to create presentations in order to help educate people.

Guidelines for Helping

Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do about climate changes. However, we can help to educate other people. If we can educate people and create more sanctuaries for these wolves, it will enable to live their lives without the threats of not being able to find food.

References

"Arctic Wolf." WorldWildlife.org. World Wildlife Fund, n.d. Web. 12 June 2015.

"Arctic Wolf." Wolf Facts and Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 June 2015.

"Arctic Wolf - Facts, Diet & Habitat Information." Animal Corner. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 June 2015.

"Wish List." White Wolf Sanctuary. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 June 2015.