What is eaten by wolves?

Wolves are known for their predatory nature and consume various animals as their primary food source. Their diet primarily consists of ungulates, which are hoofed mammals. Some common animals that wolves prey on include:

1. Deer: Various deer species, such as elk, moose, caribou, and white-tailed deer, form a significant part of wolves' diet.

2. Bison: In certain regions, wolves may hunt bison.

3. Wild Boar: Wolves sometimes target wild boars.

4. Muskoxen: Wolves may hunt muskoxen, especially in Arctic environments.

5. Sheep and Goats: Wolves often prey on wild and domestic sheep and goats, particularly in mountainous areas.

6. Beavers: Wolves may occasionally hunt beavers, especially during the winter when other prey is scarce.

7. Snowshoe Hares: These smaller mammals can serve as prey when larger prey is not readily available.

8. Seals: In coastal regions, some wolf populations may target seals as part of their diet.

9. Fish: In rare instances, wolves might catch and eat fish when living near rivers or lakes.

10. Smaller Carnivores: Wolves may prey on other smaller carnivores such as foxes, raccoons, and coyotes, though it's not a primary food source.

11. Livestock: Wolves may occasionally attack livestock such as cattle, horses, and sheep if domestic animals are available. However, these incidents are relatively rare and often occur when wolves' natural prey is scarce or during times of starvation.

It's important to note that wolves are apex predators and play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling the populations of their prey species.