What is the difference between a gray wolf and red wolf?

Gray wolves and red wolves are both canines, but they have some key differences.

Appearance: Gray wolves are typically larger than red wolves, with males weighing up to 175 pounds and females weighing up to 125 pounds. Red wolves are typically smaller, with males weighing up to 80 pounds and females weighing up to 60 pounds. Gray wolves also have a more robust build than red wolves.

Color: Gray wolves are typically gray, although their color can vary from black to white. Red wolves are typically reddish-brown, although their color can vary from light brown to dark brown.

Habitat: Gray wolves are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, tundra, and grasslands. Red wolves are found only in the southeastern United States.

Diet: Gray wolves are carnivores and eat a variety of animals, including deer, elk, moose, and caribou. Red wolves are also carnivores, but they eat a smaller variety of animals, including rabbits, raccoons, and opossums.

Social structure: Gray wolves live in packs of up to 30 individuals. Red wolves live in packs of up to 15 individuals.

Reproduction: Gray wolves breed once a year, and females give birth to an average of 5 pups. Red wolves also breed once a year, and females give birth to an average of 3 pups.

Conservation status: Gray wolves are listed as least concern by the IUCN, while red wolves are listed as critically endangered.

Overall, gray wolves and red wolves are two closely related species that have some key differences in appearance, habitat, diet, social structure, and reproduction.