Gray Wolf

The grey wolf is the largest of all canine species. Having originally been distributed across the entire northern hemisphere, it now only occurs in geographically highly restricted areas – its numbers have plummeted alarmingly, and in many areas, it was hunted to extinction. Population figures in the Czech Republic are relatively modest, and only near the Slovak border is the animal regularly found. At first glance, wolves look similar to the German shepherd dog, though a closer look reveals various small differences. Its head is broader, with a more pointed snout, the eyes are set in the scull at a more acute angle, and the ears are decidedly triangular. Wolves associate in packs that are organized according to a strict hierarchy. The pack is kept together by an “alpha” couple at the top, which remain faithful to each other until one of the partners dies. Their prey are mostly larger, hoofed animals, which they catch in a driven hunt.