A medium-sized wolf considered a distinct species in 2002. Lives in Ontario and Quebec; hybridizes with coyotes at range edges.

Also called: Eastern Wolf, Algonquin Wolf

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody length 1.2–1.4 m; shoulder height 60–75 cm
Weight22–40 kg
LifespanWild 6–10 years
OrderCarnivora
FamilyCanidae

§ Encyclopedia

The eastern wolf, also known as the timber wolf, Algonquin wolf and eastern timber wolf, is a canine of debated taxonomy native to the Great Lakes region and southeastern Canada. It is considered either a unique subspecies of gray wolf, or red wolf, or a separate species from both. Many studies have found the eastern wolf to be the product of ancient and recent genetic admixture between the gray wolf and the coyote, while other studies have found some or all populations of the eastern wolf, as well as coyotes, originally separated from a common ancestor with the wolf over 1 million years ago and that these populations of the eastern wolf may be the same species as or a closely related species to the red wolf of the Southeastern United States. Regardless of its status, it is regarded as unique and therefore worthy of conservation with Canada citing the population in eastern Canada as being the eastern wolf population subject to protection.

Source: Wikipedia — Eastern wolf Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium-small wolf with grayish-brown coat; smaller than Gray Wolf.

Similar species. Gray Wolf (larger). Coyote (much smaller). Red Wolf (different range).

Voice. Howls similar to other wolves.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. White-tailed Deer (primary), beaver, small mammals.

Behavior. Distinct species/subspecies of wolf in eastern Canada and possibly historical northeastern US. Hybridizes with coyotes; some populations may be ancient hybrid stock.

§ Range

Eastern Canada (Algonquin Provincial Park area)

§ Habitat

Mixed forests, hardwood forests

§ Threats

Hybridization with coyotes and gray wolves, persecution.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern wolf is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

Support Canadian wolf conservation. Don't kill canids in wolf range.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • Algonquin Provincial Park
  • IUCN Red List 2018