Canis lupus, commonly known as the gray wolf, is a highly social predator found across North America, Europe, and Asia. It features a thick fur coat, large size, and a powerful build. Known for its pack behavior, the gray wolf plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling prey populations.

The gray wolf (Canis lupus) is native to a vast geographical range encompassing parts of North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In North America, it is found from Alaska and Canada down to parts of the contiguous United States, including the Northern Rockies, Great Lakes, and Pacific Northwest. In Europe, it ranges from Scandinavia to Eastern Europe, while in Asia, it spans across Russia, Central Asia, and into the northern regions of the Middle East.

Gray wolves are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, tundras, mountains, grasslands, and deserts. They tend to prefer remote areas that provide ample cover and prey. The climate in these regions can range from arctic and subarctic conditions in northern areas to temperate climates in more southern regions.

Gray wolves are apex predators and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling prey populations. They primarily hunt large ungulates such as deer, elk, and moose, but their diet can vary depending on availability, including smaller mammals, birds, and carrion. Their presence can influence the distribution and behavior of other species, contributing to the diversity and health of the ecosystems they inhabit.