Species at Risk
Eastern Wolf
What is the Eastern Wolf?
In the Mauricie region, the territory of an Eastern Wolf
pack is roughly 500–700 km2 in size. That means La Mauricie National
Park’s 536 km2 (which is almost 320 times the size of Montreal’s
Olympic stadium) cannot possibly sustain two wolf packs. Only certain portions
of the park are used by the wolf packs that currently include the park as
part of their territories.
The Eastern Wolf is fairly small and fawn-coloured, with black on its back
and sides, and red-brown behind its ears. In the Mauricie region, male Eastern
Wolves stand about 80 cm at the shoulders and weigh around 45 kg, while females
measure about 75 cm at the shoulders and weigh approximately 28 kg.
Wolves live in organized groups, or packs. Only the dominant male and female
in the pack reproduce. In spring, after a two-month gestation period, the
female gives birth to a litter of five or six pups. Sexual maturity occurs
at 2–3 years of age and maximum lifespan is around ten years in the
wild.
Where is the Eastern Wolf found?
Canada’s populations
of Eastern Wolves, a sub-species
of the Grey Wolf, are found primarily in southeastern Ontario and southwestern
Quebec. This range
includes La
Mauricie National Park of Canada.
The Eastern Wolf needs large areas of forest- either deciduous,
coniferous,
or mixed- where it can find enough prey
to survive. It preys on deer and moose, as well as beaver and other small
game. It is a shy mammal, easily disturbed by human presence and activity.
Wolf Tracks in La Mauricie National Park of Canada.
© Parks Canada / J. Pleau / 05.51.10.07 (09)
/ 1998