What does the Mexican gray wolf hunt?

Mexican gray wolves are opportunistic predators, meaning they eat whatever is available and easiest to catch. Their diet includes:

* Large ungulates: This is their primary prey. This includes:

* Elk

* Deer (Mule deer and White-tailed deer)

* Pronghorn antelope

* Bighorn sheep

* Small mammals: When large prey is scarce, they will also hunt:

* Rabbits

* Squirrels

* Rodents

* Birds:

* Ground-nesting birds like quail and grouse

* Occasionally, larger birds like turkeys

* Carrion:

* They will scavenge on the remains of animals killed by other predators or by accidents.

The specific prey a Mexican gray wolf hunts depends on factors like:

* Availability: They will target the most abundant prey species in their area.

* Seasonality: They may focus on different prey depending on the time of year.

* Competition: They may have to compete with other predators like coyotes and bears for food.

Wolves play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by helping to control populations of prey species and ensuring that the food chain is balanced.