Skeletal System of a Timberwolf

The wolf's skeleton reflects how it is designed to survive in nature. Wolves, as predators, need to be strong and fast, with powerful jaws for bringing down prey. Their large skulls hold large brains capable of managing social interactions. Their legs and feet are designed both for speed and for navigating difficult and often slippery terrain.

  1. Paws

    • Wolves walk and run on their toes, which are spaced widely in order to distribute their weight while they are walking on snow. Because of this walking style, wolves' legs are longer, which helps them to run fast. The elbow of a wolf's front leg is turned inward. Because of this, a running wolf leaves only two footprints per stride; the hind feet land in the impression left by the front feet.

    Legs

    • The radius and ulna bones are locked, preventing rotation of the front legs and providing great stability. The long, strong legs and sleek torso of a wolf can carry it at speeds of 25 miles per hour for up to two miles. Wolves can reach top speeds of about 35 miles per hour.

    Torso, Spine and Tail

    • Wolves have sleek, narrow torsos for navigating through snow and to allow for greater speed. The tail is between 10 and 20 inches long. The tail's main purpose is not for balance or speed but for communication.

    Skull

    • A wolf has a long, thin skull, about 10 inches long and 5 to 6 inches wide, which tapers toward the nose. Massive jaws are formed to hold the large muscles that allow wolves to bring down, kill, drag and eat their prey. As with most predators, wolves have eyes located on the front of the skull. Wolves have 42 teeth, including two very large canines for piercing into flesh and holding prey. The pressure exerted by wolves' jaws is about 1,500 pounds per square inch---roughly twice the jaw strength of a German Shepherd.

    Wolves and Dogs

    • A wolf that is the same weight as a domestic dog will have a skull that is about 20 percent larger than the dog's. The larger skull contains a larger brain. Dogs' teeth will be smaller, and their eyes will be more forward-looking. A wolf will have larger paws and longer legs than a dog of similar size.