Penguins are found in the Southern Hemisphere whereas Arctic wolves are found in the Northern Hemisphere. No, arctic wolves do not eat penguins because their ranges do not overlap. Yes, arctic wolves are one of the few predators of snowy owls 8 (source: The Peregrine Fund). Related Questions Do Arctic Wolves Eat Snowy Owls? Species such as the Arctic wolf are more at risk from climate change than species with a more southern range. van Beest, et al, Vol 27, Issue 9, 2021). Mech, Vol 67, 2004).Ĭlimate change affects polar regions more intensively than regions closer to the equator 7 (source: Diversity and Distributions, Floris M. The lack of feeding opportunities has prevented some Arctic wolf packs from breeding 6 (source: Climatic Change, L. Extreme weather events linked with climate change have affected populations of Arctic hares and muskoxen. The main threat to Arctic wolf populations is from climate change. Polar bears are a worthier foe, competing with the wolves for carrion. However, Arctic wolves kill foxes on occasion. Wolves have to use their intelligence to make their hunting trip worthwhile.Īrctic wolves face competition from Arctic foxes for their smaller meals. Hunting large animals is dangerous but provides enough food for the whole pack. Wolf hunting strategies can show surprising foresight, understanding, and planning 5 (source: Arctic, L. The wolves kill sickly or slow prey animals, leaving the strongest to survive and reproduce. Therefore, wolf hunts are an example of natural selection at work. The pack works together to flank the animal and run it down, sometimes at a distance over several miles.Īrctic wolves tend to single out the weakest animal in a herd of caribou or muskoxen. As the prey animals run into the open, the wolves select one animal to pursue. During the day, individual wolves keep an eye out for prey moving within their territory.Īrctic wolves use teamwork and tactics to stalk their prey and ambush it. Territories vary in size according to food availability. To catch larger prey such as caribou or muskoxen, arctic wolves hunt in packs or family units where they cooperate to bring the prey down.Įach arctic wolf pack occupies a territory. Two wolves may work together to hunt faster small prey such as arctic hares, with one wolf chasing the hare towards the other wolf 4 (source: Arctic, L. A single wolf may pursue small prey on its own, using its keen sense of smell to find rodents. Between large meals, they snack on whatever rodents and invertebrates they can find.Īrctic wolves employ a variety of strategies to hunt. They can eat up to 20 pounds of meat in one sitting, but may then go days without eating anything 3 (source: International Wolf Center).Īrctic wolves live where large prey is scarce, and they require more energy to keep warm. However, arctic wolves live so far north that food type and availability is different from what gray wolves have available.Īll wolves feed sporadically, taking what they can whenever they can. Gray wolf and arctic wolf diets and feeding behaviors are similar. Its teeth and digestive system are highly-adapted to attack, kill, crunch, and digest all the parts of an animal, including bones.ĭuring the summer months, arctic wolves may eat some berries or chew on roots.Īrctic wolves are a subspecies (type) of gray wolf. The Arctic wolf has the large brain, high intelligence, and hunting instincts of a carnivoran. They hunt and kill most of their food, but will also scavenge on carcasses left by polar bears and other predators. Although within their range, plant matter is only available in the warmer months.Īrctic wolves primarily eat meat including fish, invertebrates, and mammals such as lemmings, caribou, arctic hare, and muskox 2 (source: Canadian Journal of Zoology, F.Dalerum, et al, Vol 96, No. They have been known to eat some plants which is why some people may refer to them as hypercarnivores, which are animals whose diet consists of more than 70% meat. They belong to the order Carnivora, a large group named after the tendency of its members to eat meat.Ĭarnivorans tend to have large brains, hunting behaviors, and specialized digestive systems, teeth, and jaws 1 (source: Australian Museum), traits that the arctic wolf has. Are Arctic Wolves Omnivores or Carnivores?Īrctic wolves are considered to be carnivores because their diet mainly consists of meat.
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