Primary Prey:
* Ungulates: This is their staple food, including deer, elk, moose, caribou, bison, and wild horses.
* Smaller Animals: Wolves will also hunt smaller animals like rabbits, hares, squirrels, birds, and fish.
Occasional Prey:
* Carrion: Wolves are opportunistic scavengers and will eat dead animals, including roadkill.
* Domestic Animals: Wolves may prey on livestock like sheep, goats, and cattle, especially if they live near human settlements.
Important Notes:
* Hunting in Packs: Wolves are social animals and hunt in packs, which allows them to take down larger prey.
* Food Source Variability: The specific prey available to wolves varies depending on their location. For example, wolves in the Arctic might primarily eat caribou, while wolves in the American Southwest might hunt more rabbits and coyotes.
* Adaptations for Hunting: Wolves have sharp teeth and powerful jaws, as well as a keen sense of smell and hearing, which helps them locate and track prey.
Overall, wolves are highly adaptable carnivores that play a vital role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.