What is a "gray wolf"?

The gray wolf, scientifically known as Canis lupus, is a large and highly adaptable mammal that belongs to the Canidae family. Gray wolves have a distinctive appearance, with a lean and muscular body, bushy tail, sharp ears, and keen eyesight. They have a thick coat of fur that can vary in color from gray to brown, black, or white, depending on the geographical location and season. Gray wolves are known for their social behavior, living in tight-knit family groups called packs, where they cooperate in hunting, raising young, and defending their territory. They are skilled predators, with exceptional senses of smell, hearing, and sight, and are capable of bringing down large prey. Gray wolves have a complex communication system that includes vocalizations, body postures, and scent marking. They have a wide distribution, inhabiting various ecosystems from forests to tundras, and have played a significant role in human culture, mythology, and conservation efforts. Gray wolves are iconic animals, representing the wildness and beauty of nature, while also being a symbol of strength, loyalty, and resilience.