Mexican Grey Wolf Facts

The Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) is North America’s smallest subspecies of the gray wolf. With a historic range from Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, this species faced threats and habitat loss caused by human settlement in the early 1900s.

  1. Identification

    • The Mexican wolf, also known as el lobo, reaches a height of 28 to 32 inches at the shoulder. Weight ranges from 50 to 80 pounds. It sports a coat with gray, brown, buff, rust and black colors.

    Habitat

    • Habitat includes mountain woodlands, shrublands and grasslands. A pack's territory can range up to several hundred square miles, according to the U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service.

    Social Structure

    • These social animals live as packs that include the mating pair--the alpha male and female--and offspring. Their hierarchy consists of dominant and subordinate animals.

    Behavior

    • Mexican gray wolves communicate through body postures, scent marking and vocalizations. Vocalizations include barking, howling, growling and whining.

    Prey

    • Wolves prey on mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, javelinas and rabbits. Cooperative behavior as a unit allows wolves to attack prey larger than themselves.

    Life Cycle

    • Breeding occurs in February, followed by a 63-day gestation. In spring, the female bears four to seven pups. The U.S. Endangered Species Act protects this rare species. Life span can extend up to 15 years in captivity.