Here's what we know about the lifespan of Arctic wolves:
* In the wild: Arctic wolves typically live for 5-8 years, though some individuals may reach 10 years or more if they are healthy and avoid predators, disease, and starvation.
* In captivity: Arctic wolves can live much longer in captivity, often reaching 13-16 years with proper care and a healthy environment.
Factors that affect lifespan:
* Food availability: Wolves need a steady supply of prey to survive. A lack of food can lead to starvation and death.
* Disease: Wolves are susceptible to various diseases, including rabies, distemper, and parasites.
* Predation: Wolves are preyed upon by larger predators like bears and wolverines.
* Hunting and trapping: Hunting and trapping can significantly reduce wolf populations and impact their lifespan.
* Climate change: Climate change is impacting Arctic wolf populations by affecting their prey and their habitat.
So, while it's difficult to give a definitive answer to how long a "white wolf" lives, 5-8 years is a reasonable estimate for the average lifespan of an Arctic wolf in the wild.