NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 81 



hump is toward the north, and its crest is about fifteen feet 

 above the ground on its eastern side. A fringe of small 

 trees and bushes grows along its western side. On the east 

 side, well sheltered by the rock itself from the cold west 

 winds of winter, and also shaded by several fine trees which 

 most opportunely grow close beside the ledge, the Wolf 

 Dens and Pox Dens are situated. 



In regard to the iron work, these dens are merely an 

 understudy of the Bear Dens. The dimensions of each den 

 of the series are 16 by 48 feet, and the height of the bars to 

 the top of the overhang is 9 feet 6 inches. The sleeping 

 dens are of simple construction, all save one being of wood, 

 trimmed with bark-covered slabs. At present the "Wolf 

 Dens are divided into four compartments. 



The Gray Wolf, (Canis nubilis), is known by as many 

 names as it has color phases. In the North, where it is 

 white, it is called the "White Wolf," while in Florida it 

 becomes the "Black Wolf." In British Columbia and 

 around Great Slave Lake, both white and black wolves 

 abound, as well as the standard gray, but on the Barren 

 Grounds the white phase predominates. In Texas a "Red 

 Wolf" is found, but apparently the red phase is of somewhat 

 rare occurrence, and is never found in the North. 



In the West this animal has recently come into prominence 

 in a way that is striking terror to the hearts of ranchmen 

 and others who have stock to lose. While all kinds of de- 

 sirable game animals are decreasing at an alarming rate, 

 the Gray Wolf not only holds its own, but is multiplying 

 rapidly. The destruction by it of calves, colts, and sheep, 

 has become so great that nearly every western state has 

 placed on the head of this bold marauder a bounty varying 

 from $2 to $10. In some States this law has been in force 

 for several years, but with no sensible diminution in the 

 number of wolves. 



The Gray Wolves which live in touch with civilization are 

 by no means such bold and dangerous animals as they for- 

 merly were. In the early days, when wolves were numerous 

 and fire-arms few and primitive, the Gray Wolf undoubtedly 

 was a dangerous animal. But the breech-loading rifle has 

 changed all this. Excepting for his stock-killing propensi- 

 ties, the Gray Wolf is now a skulking creature. In the 

 United States this animal possesses the courage of a coyote, 

 but in the Barren Grounds it is still fierce and dangerous. 

 However much the wolf may skulk and flee when the way is 

 gpen, when brought to bay he knows how to fight. One 

 snap of his powerful jaws and shear-like teeth is enough to 



