Why is a gray wolf called timber wolf?

The term "timber wolf" is often used interchangeably with "gray wolf" but it's not a formal scientific name. It's more of a regional and historical designation. Here's why:

* Habitat: "Timber wolf" was originally used to describe gray wolves that lived in forested areas, particularly in the eastern part of North America.

* Distinction from other wolves: In some regions, "timber wolf" was used to differentiate the gray wolf from other wolf subspecies like the Arctic wolf or the red wolf.

* Popularity: The term "timber wolf" has become popular in popular culture and media, sometimes even used to refer to gray wolves in areas that don't have extensive forests.

Technically, all gray wolves are the same species (Canis lupus) regardless of their location. So, while "timber wolf" is often used for gray wolves, it's not a scientifically precise term.

Here's a breakdown of how the terms are used:

* Gray Wolf: The scientific and most universally accepted term for the species.

* Timber Wolf: Often used for gray wolves in forested areas, particularly in eastern North America.

* Other names: There are other regional names for gray wolves, such as "lobo" (Spanish) and "loups gris" (French).

Ultimately, both "gray wolf" and "timber wolf" refer to the same animal, with the latter being a more informal and geographically specific term.