Basic Information: Scientific Name: Canis lupus Reproductive Information: Mating Season: Jan-Mar.
Mass: 110 lbs (Adult, Male) Gestation: 63 days
Height: 2.6-2.8 ft. (Adult, at Shoulder) Litter size: 4-7 pups
Speed: Up to 40 mph
Mass: 110 lbs (Adult, Male) Gestation: 63 days
Height: 2.6-2.8 ft. (Adult, at Shoulder) Litter size: 4-7 pups
Speed: Up to 40 mph
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Wolves are highly social creatures, and they live together in packs which consist of, on average, seven wolves. Wolves are about ready to mate at two years of age. However, not all wolves get a chance to mate. Usually only the alpha male and alpha female get to mate. When the two wolves are preparing to mate, they form a close, loving bond. They sleep close together, rub each other, mouth each other's muzzles, and even walk pressed together. As the courtship progresses, the male will smell the female's genital area to determine if she is ready for mating. If the female is not ready, she will growl and snap her jaws.
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When the female is ready and releases her sex hormones, the wolf will mount the female from behind, like dogs. During copulation, the male and female physically tie together due to the swelling of the male's penis and the constricting of the female's vaginal wall. After five minutes the male will twist and thrust which is where the sperm is released. The two will still continue the act for around thirty minutes. After mating, the wolves will still be affectionate and and continue a long-lasting relationship.
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It is the responsibility of the entire wolf pack to care for the pups. They take turns raising and caring for them. When the pups become mature at two years of age they either stay in the pack or leave to form their own pack.