Tag: wolf pack survival

Wolf Coats Will All Be Black

Black coats are a dominant gene over grey for wolves. Yellowstone wolves are now about 50/50 black vs. grey. In Michigan, only about 5% of wolves have black coats, but that will increase over time. This is strange from an evolutionary standpoint, because black will make them more visible to hunters.

Wolf Reaction to Planes & Helicopters

At least at Yellowstone, wolves ignore planes, even low-flying ones. But they hate helicopters.

That’s because helicopters are used to dart wolves to put radio collars on them.

And wolves outside of Yellowstone also hate helicopters. Because some people with testosterone poisoning like to shoot wolves from helicopters — as if it were a “sport.” — Photo: Cam Adams, Unsplash.

Indicator of Pack Survival

Having one more senior-aged (4+ years) wolf in a wild pack greatly increases pack survival. According to the International Wolf Center, older wolves have better learned when to fight and when to make peace. This keeps the rash youngsters from starting fights they can’t win — thus helping the pack to survive. Wolves recognize the value of the wisdom of age and they support their older members.