Eurasian wolf
Canis lupus
Did you know ... that wolves communicate with each other using body language? In addition to facial expressions and positioning of their heads, ears and tails, they also use a variety of vocalisations and scents to communicate with each other.
Family
Canidae
Distribution
Wild wolves reappeared for the first time in Valais in 1995, 123 years after the last Swiss wolf was shot in Ticino, and the first pups were born in the wild in 2012.
Lifestyle
A wolf pack is generally a family consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring from the current and previous year. Within the family, the parents naturally assume the dominant role (known as the “alpha animals” in captivity) by teaching their young the skills they need to survive as adult wolves.
Reproduction
They mate in February and, after a gestation period of nine weeks, three to six pups are born which are blind and have little fur. Only the highest-ranking animals usually reproduce and the entire pack helps raise the pups.
Diet
Wolves are carnivores who occasionally also consume fruit or berries. They are skilled hunters, especially when operating in packs, which can bring down large animals such as elk after prolonged chases.
Senses
Wolves have an excellent sense of smell and very good hearing. They are very good at distinguishing voices. Their eyes are best at perceiving contrasts and movements.
The wolf in Langenberg
Since 1995. The animals in Langenberg are the descendants of wild wolves caught in the Carpathians and are the same kind as those that formerly lived in Switzerland.
