Historically:
* North America: Gray wolves were once found across most of North America, from the Arctic tundra to the southern US, including forests, grasslands, mountains, and coastal areas.
* Eurasia: They inhabited a vast region across Eurasia, from Scandinavia and Russia to the Mediterranean and Asia Minor.
Currently:
* North America: The gray wolf population has been recovering in many areas, and they are now found in the northern and western parts of the US and Canada, including Alaska, the Great Lakes region, the Rocky Mountains, and Yellowstone National Park.
* Eurasia: They remain widespread in Eurasia, especially in remote areas of Russia, Scandinavia, and eastern Europe. They are also making a comeback in some parts of Western Europe, such as Germany, Italy, and France.
Habitat Requirements:
* Predominantly forested: Gray wolves prefer forested areas, especially with dense undergrowth, where they can find prey, den, and raise their pups.
* Access to prey: They need access to a sufficient amount of prey, such as elk, deer, moose, caribou, and smaller mammals.
* Water sources: Gray wolves need access to clean water for drinking and for cooling down in hot weather.
* Suitable den sites: They require den sites for raising pups, usually in caves, abandoned burrows, or dense thickets.
Human Impacts:
* Habitat loss: Habitat fragmentation and destruction due to human activities like agriculture, development, and logging have significantly impacted gray wolf populations.
* Hunting and persecution: Historically, gray wolves were hunted and persecuted extensively, leading to their decline in many areas.
* Reintroduction efforts: Successful reintroduction programs have helped to restore gray wolf populations in some areas, but conflicts with humans remain a challenge.
Overall, the habitat of the gray wolf is constantly changing due to human activities. While they have made a comeback in some areas, their future is uncertain, and their conservation remains a top priority.