Canis lupus, commonly known as the gray wolf, is a highly social and adaptable carnivore. They inhabit diverse environments from forests to tundra. With a robust build, they have thick fur, strong jaws, and a keen sense of smell. Wolves live in packs with complex social structures and are known for their coordinated hunting strategies.

Canis lupus, commonly known as the gray wolf, is native to a wide range of regions across the Northern Hemisphere. Historically, its range included most of North America, Europe, and Asia. Today, their distribution is more fragmented due to habitat loss and human activities, with significant populations found in Alaska, Canada, some areas of the contiguous United States, parts of Europe such as Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, and several regions in Asia, including Russia, Mongolia, and parts of China.

Gray wolves inhabit a variety of environments, reflecting their adaptability. They are commonly found in forests, tundras, grasslands, and deserts. The climate in these regions can vary widely, from the cold, harsh conditions of the Arctic tundra to the more temperate climates of forests and grasslands.

Gray wolves are apex predators and play a critical role in maintaining the health of ecosystems by controlling the populations of large herbivores. They are highly social animals, living and hunting in packs. This social structure allows them to hunt larger prey, such as deer, elk, and moose, and to adapt to various environmental conditions. Their adaptability to different habitats and climates is a key factor in their widespread distribution.