Canis lupis, known as the gray wolf, features a thick fur coat that varies from white to gray, brown, or black. They are highly social, living in packs led by an alpha pair. Wolves are apex predators, crucial for maintaining balance in ecosystems by controlling prey populations.

Canis lupus, commonly known as the gray wolf, is native to a wide range of regions across the Northern Hemisphere. It is found in North America, Europe, and Asia. In North America, its range includes parts of Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States. In Europe, gray wolves are found in countries such as Russia, Poland, and Spain. In Asia, they inhabit regions in Mongolia, China, and parts of the Middle East.

Gray wolves inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, tundras, grasslands, and deserts. They are highly adaptable to different environmental conditions, ranging from the cold Arctic regions to more temperate and even arid climates. The presence of prey species and minimal human disturbance are critical factors for their habitat.

As apex predators, gray wolves play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling the population of herbivores. They primarily hunt large ungulates such as deer, elk, and moose, but can also adapt to hunting smaller mammals when necessary. This predation helps maintain the health and diversity of ecosystems.