Historically:
* North America: From the Arctic tundra to the southeastern United States, including Canada, Alaska, and Mexico.
* Eurasia: From the Scandinavian peninsula to the eastern edge of Russia, including parts of Europe and Asia.
Currently:
* North America: Primarily in Alaska, Canada, and the northern and western United States.
* Eurasia: Mostly in Russia, Scandinavia, and some parts of Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans.
Specific habitat preferences:
* Forests: They prefer coniferous forests and deciduous forests, especially those with dense undergrowth.
* Tundra: They thrive in the Arctic tundra, where they prey on caribou and other animals.
* Mountain Ranges: Wolves can be found in mountainous regions, utilizing the varied terrain for hunting and denning.
* Open grasslands: They inhabit open grasslands, particularly in areas with abundant prey like elk or bison.
Key factors influencing wolf habitat:
* Availability of prey: Wolves need access to large, ungulate prey like elk, moose, deer, or caribou.
* Shelter: They require areas with suitable denning sites, such as caves, rock crevices, or abandoned burrows.
* Water: They need access to fresh water sources for drinking and cooling.
* Distance from humans: While wolves can adapt to human presence, they generally avoid areas with high human activity.
It's important to remember that the distribution of gray wolves has fluctuated throughout history due to factors like habitat loss, human persecution, and reintroduction programs. Their current range and populations are actively monitored and managed by conservation efforts.