326 



WOLF. 



There are several species of Wolf, each of which species is divided into three or four 

 varieties, which seem to be tolerably permanent, and by many observers are thought 

 to be sufficiently marked to be considered as separate species. However, as even the 

 members of the same litter partake of several minor varieties in form and color, it is very 

 possible that the so-called species may be nothing more than very distinctly marked 

 varieties. These voracious and dangerous animals are found in almost every quarter of 

 the globe ; whether the country which they infest is heated by the beams of the tropical 

 sun or frozen by the lengthened winter of the northern regions. Mountain and plain, 

 forest and field, jungle and prairie, are equally infested with Wolves, which possess 

 the power of finding nourishment for their united bands in localities where even a 

 single predaceous animal might be perplexed to gain a livelihood. 



The color of the common WOLF is gray, mingled with a slight tinting of fawn, and 

 diversified with many black hairs that are interspersed among the lighter colored fur. 

 In the older animals the gray appears to 'predominate over the fawn, while the fur of 

 the younger Wolves is of a warmer fawn tint. The under parts of the animal, the lower 

 jaw, and the edge of the upper lip, are nearly white, while the interior face of the limbs 

 is of a gray tint. From this latter circumstance the Norwegians, with their usual super- 

 stitious dislike to calling an animal by its right name, dignify the Wolf by the title of 

 " Graabeen," or Gray-legs. The equally superstitious Finns prefer the name of 

 "Loajalg," or Broad-foot. Between the ears the head is almost entirely gray, and 

 without the mixture of black hairs, which is found in greatest profusion along the line 

 of the spine. 



When hungry and the Wolf is almost always hungry it is a bold and dangerous 

 animal, daring almost all things to reach its prey, and venturing to attack large and 

 powerful animals, such as the buffalo, the elk, or the wild horse. Sometimes it has 

 been known to oppose itself to other carnivora, and to attack so unpromising a foe as 

 the bear. Mr. Lloyd records an instance of this presumption on the part of the Wolves. 



During a bear-hunt, when the hunting party was led by a dog that was following the 

 footsteps of a bear, a small herd of Wolves, few in number, suddenly made their ap- 

 pearance, pounced on the dog, and devoured it. They then took up the trail, and 

 when they came up with the bear entered into battle with him. The fight terminated 

 in favor of the bear ; but not without much exertion and great danger to both parties, 

 as was proved by the quantity of bear and Wolf fur that lay scattered about the scene 

 of combat. So severely had the bear been treated that his fur was found to be quite 

 useless when he was killed by the hunters a few days after the conflict. 



This is not a solitary example of a fight between bears and Wolves, as the same 

 author mentions a similar combat, which would apparently have had a different result. 

 The bear had retreated to a large tree ; and, standing with his back against the trunk, 

 boldly face his antagonists, and for some time kept them at bay. At last, however, 

 some of the Wolves crept round the tree, and seizing him unexpectedly in the flank, 

 inflicted such severe wounds that he would soon have fallen a victim to their ferocity 

 had not they been put to flight by the approach of some men. 



It is by no means nice in its palate, and will eat almost any living animal from 

 human beings down to frogs, lizards, and insects. Moreover, it is a sad cannibal, and 

 is thought by several travellers who have noted its habits to be especially partial to the 

 flesh of its own kind. A weak, sickly, or wounded Wolf is sure to fall under the cruel 

 teeth of its companions ; who are said to be so fearfully ravenous that if one of their 

 companions should chance to besmear himself with the blood of the prey which has just 

 been hunted down, he is instantly attacked and devoured by the remainder of the pack. 



In their hunting expeditions the Wolves usually unite in bands, larger or smaller 

 in number, according to circumstances, and acting simultaneously for a settled purpose. 

 If they are on the trail of a flying animal, as is represented in the large engraving on p. 

 325, the footsteps of their prey are followed up by one or two of the Wolves, while the 

 remainder of the band take up their positions to the right and left of the leaders, so as to 

 intercept the quarry if it should attempt to turn from its course. Woe be to any animal 



