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Gray Wolf

Canis lupus

Mammal · family Canidae · order Carnivora

  1. G1
    Critically imperiled
  2. G2
    Imperiled
  3. G3
    Vulnerable
  4. G4
    Apparently secure
  5. G5
    Secure

NatureServe global rank G5: secure[2].

Updated October 30, 2026. Published by Humblebee.

Gray Wolf
Photo: User:Mas3cf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Endangered Species Act
Endangered (some populations)[1]
NatureServe global rank
G5 Secure[2]
Native in
13 states[3]
Longest recorded life
20.6 years[4]

The Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) is a mammal in the dog family, Canidae[5]. NatureServe ranks it G5, which means Secure worldwide, and it is native to 13 US states and territories, including Alaska, Minnesota and Montana[2][3].

Conservation status

NatureServe gives the Gray Wolf a global rank of G5 (Secure) and a United States rank of N4 (Apparently Secure)[2][6]. The IUCN Red List category recorded by NatureServe is Least concern[7]. Under the US Endangered Species Act the picture is mixed. The gray wolf is listed as Endangered in parts of its range, including California, Michigan, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin[1]. In Minnesota it is listed as Threatened[8]. Colorado has an experimental population, which is a special status for animals placed back into the wild[9]. One northern population across several western states was removed from the list because it recovered[10].

Status Value
Endangered Species Act[1] Endangered, listed March 9, 1978 (U.S.A.: All of AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IN, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO,)
Endangered Species Act[9] Experimental Population, Non-Essential (CO experimental population (CO))
Endangered Species Act[8] Threatened, listed March 9, 1978 (U.S.A. (MN))
Endangered Species Act[10] Delisted after recovery
NatureServe global rank[2] G5 (Secure)
NatureServe US rank[6] N4 (Apparently Secure)
IUCN Red List (via NatureServe)[7] Least concern
CITES (international trade)[11] Appendix II
Total population (NatureServe estimate)[12] 10,000 to >1,000,000 individuals

Where Gray Wolf lives

NatureServe lists the Gray Wolf as native in Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming[3]. NatureServe ranks it as extirpated, meaning gone from the state, or possibly extirpated in many other states, including Colorado, Texas, New York and Utah[13]. State ranks show the wolf is doing better in Alaska, Idaho, Michigan, Montana and Wisconsin than in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming[14]. Observers have posted the most GBIF records in Alaska, New Mexico, Wyoming, Texas and Minnesota, which reflects where people look and report[15].

Alaska: native, state rank S4AKMaine: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SHMEWisconsin: native, state rank S4WIVermont: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXVTNew Hampshire: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXNHWashington: native, state rank S1WAIdaho: native, state rank S4IDMontana: native, state rank S4MTNorth Dakota: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXNDMinnesota: native, state rank S3MNIllinois: native, state rank S1ILMichigan: native, state rank S4MINew York: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXNYMassachusetts: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXMAOregon: native, state rank S1ORNevada: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SHNVWyoming: native, state rank S1WYSouth Dakota: not recordedSDIowa: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXIAIndiana: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXINOhio: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXOHPennsylvania: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXPANew Jersey: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXNJConnecticut: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXCTRhode Island: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXRICalifornia: native, state rank S1CAUtah: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXUTColorado: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXCONebraska: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXNEMissouri: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXMOKentucky: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXKYWest Virginia: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXWVVirginia: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXVAMaryland: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXMDDelaware: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXDEArizona: native, state rank S1AZNew Mexico: native, state rank S1NMKansas: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXKSArkansas: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXARTennessee: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXTNNorth Carolina: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXNCSouth Carolina: not recordedSCDistrict of Columbia: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXDCOklahoma: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXOKLouisiana: not recordedLAMississippi: not recordedMSAlabama: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXALGeorgia: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXGAHawaii: not recordedHITexas: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXTXFlorida: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXFLPuerto Rico: not recordedPR
State presence as recorded by NatureServe[14].
Show state ranks (46 states)
StateRankMeaning
AlabamaSXPresumed Extirpated
AlaskaS4Apparently Secure
ArizonaS1Critically Imperiled
ArkansasSXPresumed Extirpated
CaliforniaS1Critically Imperiled
ColoradoSXPresumed Extirpated
ConnecticutSXPresumed Extirpated
DelawareSXPresumed Extirpated
District of ColumbiaSXPresumed Extirpated
FloridaSXPresumed Extirpated
GeorgiaSXPresumed Extirpated
IdahoS4Apparently Secure
IllinoisS1Critically Imperiled
IndianaSXPresumed Extirpated
IowaSXPresumed Extirpated
KansasSXPresumed Extirpated
KentuckySXPresumed Extirpated
MaineSHPossibly Extirpated
MarylandSXPresumed Extirpated
MassachusettsSXPresumed Extirpated
MichiganS4Apparently Secure
MinnesotaS3Vulnerable
MissouriSXPresumed Extirpated
MontanaS4Apparently Secure
NebraskaSXPresumed Extirpated
NevadaSHPossibly Extirpated
New HampshireSXPresumed Extirpated
New JerseySXPresumed Extirpated
New MexicoS1Critically Imperiled
New YorkSXPresumed Extirpated
North CarolinaSXPresumed Extirpated
North DakotaSXPresumed Extirpated
OhioSXPresumed Extirpated
OklahomaSXPresumed Extirpated
OregonS1Critically Imperiled
PennsylvaniaSXPresumed Extirpated
Rhode IslandSXPresumed Extirpated
TennesseeSXPresumed Extirpated
TexasSXPresumed Extirpated
UtahSXPresumed Extirpated
VermontSXPresumed Extirpated
VirginiaSXPresumed Extirpated
WashingtonS1Critically Imperiled
West VirginiaSXPresumed Extirpated
WisconsinS4Apparently Secure
WyomingS1Critically Imperiled

Habitat

NatureServe records many habitat types for the Gray Wolf, including woodland, shrubland, savanna, grassland, desert, alpine and tundra[16]. It notes no particular habitat preference[17]. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, wolves usually live in areas with few roads[17]. Young are born in an underground den that another animal left behind or that the wolf dug itself[17].

Habitat types recorded by NatureServe[16]

Size, diet and lifespan

The Gray Wolf is a carnivore[18]. NatureServe says it mostly hunts hoofed animals, and when those are scarce it eats beaver, snowshoe hares, rodents and carrion[19]. It often hunts in packs, though single wolves and pairs can take down prey as big as an adult moose[19]. The typical length recorded is 205 cm (81 in) and the typical adult weight is 40 kg (88 lb)[20][21]. A typical litter is 6 young after a gestation of 62 days[22][23]. Females reach sexual maturity at 669 days of age[24]. The longest recorded lifespan comes from a wolf in captivity[4].

Trait Value
Typical length[20] 205 cm (81 in)
Typical adult weight[21] 40 kg (88 lb)
Longest recorded lifespan (AnAge)[4] 20.6 years (captivity)
Litter or clutch size[22] 6
Gestation or incubation[23] 62 days
Female maturity[24] 669 days (about 1.8 years)
Food habits[18] Carnivore
Active[25] nocturnal, crepuscular
Migration[26] non-migrant

Estimated diet composition (EltonTraits 1.0)[27]

  • 100% warm-blooded vertebrates

When to look for it

The Gray Wolf is nocturnal and crepuscular, which means it is active at night and around dawn and dusk[28][25]. NatureServe lists it as a non-migrant, though populations can differ[26]. GBIF records in the United States are highest in January, February and March[29]. These records show when people report wolves, not how many animals there are[29].

January: 1,517 recordsJanFebruary: 1,673 recordsFebMarch: 1,875 recordsMarApril: 1,143 recordsAprMay: 951 recordsMayJune: 996 recordsJunJuly: 1,008 recordsJulAugust: 879 recordsAugSeptember: 886 recordsSepOctober: 844 recordsOctNovember: 1,228 recordsNovDecember: 1,285 recordsDec
US observation records on GBIF by month, all years. The three months with the most records are highlighted. Records show when people look and report, not how many animals there are[29].
Show records by month
MonthRecords
January1,517
February1,673
March1,875
April1,143
May951
June996
July1,008
August879
September886
October844
November1,228
December1,285

Where to see it

This species is protected or at risk, so we show its range only at the state level. We do not publish parks, nesting, spawning or wintering sites.

States with the most GBIF observation records: Alaska, New Mexico, Wyoming, Texas, Minnesota[15]. These counts follow where people look and report, not population size.

Safety around this animal

These tips are quoted in summary from official agencies. We add no advice of our own. Follow local rules and the agency pages linked below.

From National Park Service (Yellowstone)

  • In Yellowstone, the National Park Service asks visitors to stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears, wolves and cougars.
  • If the animal moves closer, back away. Approaching wildlife close enough to disturb or displace it is illegal in the park.
  • Never feed wildlife. Use binoculars or a long camera lens instead of moving closer.

Source: National Park Service (Yellowstone)[30]

From National Park Service (Yellowstone)

  • Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from wolves and never approach one for a photo.
  • If a wolf comes too close or shows no fear, stand tall and hold your ground. If it keeps coming, wave your arms, yell and flare your jacket.
  • If that does not work, throw something or use bear spray, group together and report it to a ranger as soon as you can.

Source: National Park Service (Yellowstone)[31]

Questions people ask

Is the gray wolf endangered?
It depends on the place. The gray wolf is listed as Endangered under the ESA in parts of its range and Threatened in Minnesota[1][8]. NatureServe ranks the species G5 (Secure) globally[2].
Where do gray wolves live in the US?
NatureServe lists it as native in 13 states and territories, from Alaska and Montana to Minnesota and New Mexico[3]. It is ranked as extirpated or possibly extirpated in many other states[13].
What do gray wolves eat?
They are carnivores that mostly eat hoofed animals[19][18]. When those are scarce they eat beaver, snowshoe hare, rodents and carrion[19].
How big is a gray wolf?
NatureServe records a typical length of 205 cm (81 in) and a typical adult weight of 40 kg (88 lb)[20][21].
How long do gray wolves live?
The longest recorded lifespan comes from a wolf in captivity[4]. That is a record, not a typical lifespan.

Facts and sources

  1. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Gray wolf has the status Endangered, listed March 9, 1978 (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: U.S.A.: All of AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IN, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK,... USFWS ECOS
  2. NatureServe global conservation status rank for Gray Wolf: G5 (Secure). NatureServe Explorer
  3. NatureServe lists Gray Wolf as native in 13 US states and territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming. NatureServe Explorer
  4. Maximum recorded lifespan in AnAge: 20.6 years in captivity. This is a record, not a typical lifespan. AnAge
  5. Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) is a mammal in the family Canidae, order Carnivora. NatureServe Explorer
  6. NatureServe national rank in the United States: N4 (Apparently Secure). NatureServe Explorer
  7. IUCN Red List category as recorded by NatureServe: Least concern. NatureServe Explorer
  8. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Gray wolf has the status Threatened, listed March 9, 1978 (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: U.S.A. (MN). States in the listed range: Minnesota. USFWS ECOS
  9. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Gray wolf has the status Experimental Population, Non-Essential (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: CO experimental population (CO). States in the listed range: Colorado. USFWS ECOS
  10. USFWS ECOS lists Gray wolf (Northern Rocky Mountain Distinct Population Segment: Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, and no) with the status Recovery, meaning it was removed from the endangered species list because it recovered. It... USFWS ECOS
  11. CITES listing recorded by NatureServe: Appendix II (controls on international trade). NatureServe Explorer
  12. NatureServe estimate of total adult population (global, as a range): 10,000 to >1,000,000 individuals. NatureServe Explorer
  13. NatureServe ranks Gray Wolf as extirpated or possibly extirpated (SX or SH) in: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, North... NatureServe Explorer
  14. NatureServe state ranks for Gray Wolf (map and table on this page). NatureServe Explorer
  15. US states with the most GBIF observation records of Gray Wolf: Alaska, New Mexico, Wyoming, Texas, Minnesota. Record counts follow observer effort, not population size. GBIF
  16. Habitat types NatureServe records for Gray Wolf: Forest - hardwood, Forest - conifer, Forest - mixed, Woodland - hardwood, Woodland - conifer, Woodland - mixed, Shrubland/chaparral, Savanna, Grassland/herbaceous, Desert, Alpine, Tundra. NatureServe Explorer
  17. NatureServe notes on habitat for Gray Wolf. NatureServe Explorer
  18. Adult food habits recorded by NatureServe: Carnivore. NatureServe Explorer
  19. NatureServe notes on food for Gray Wolf. NatureServe Explorer
  20. Typical length recorded by NatureServe: 205 cm (81 in). NatureServe Explorer
  21. Typical adult weight recorded by NatureServe: 40 kg (88 lb). NatureServe Explorer
  22. Typical litter or clutch size in AnAge: 6. AnAge
  23. Gestation or incubation period in AnAge: 62 days. AnAge
  24. Age at female sexual maturity in AnAge: 669 days (about 1.8 years). AnAge
  25. Activity time in EltonTraits 1.0: nocturnal, crepuscular. EltonTraits 1.0
  26. NatureServe migration category for Gray Wolf: non-migrant (populations can differ). NatureServe Explorer
  27. Estimated diet composition in EltonTraits 1.0: 100% warm-blooded vertebrates. EltonTraits 1.0
  28. Adult activity patterns recorded by NatureServe: Nocturnal, Crepuscular. NatureServe Explorer
  29. GBIF observation records of Gray Wolf in the US by month (chart on this page). GBIF
  30. Safety guidance from National Park Service (Yellowstone). National Park Service
  31. Safety guidance from National Park Service (Yellowstone). National Park Service

Status, range and habitat come from NatureServe Explorer (CC BY 4.0) and USFWS ECOS at the snapshot date. Listings change by federal rule. State lists are where NatureServe records the species, not a promise that you will see it there. Never name a place smaller than a state. GBIF and park records count observations and checklists. They show where and when people report the species, not how many animals live there.

NatureServe. 2026. NatureServe Explorer [web application]. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available https://explorer.natureserve.org. (Accessed: October 30, 2026). Licensed under CC BY 4.0; SpeciesFacts selected and summarized it.

Photo: User:Mas3cf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.