THE GRAY WOLF Wolves are an intelligent and adaptive species. They occupy suitable habitats in northwest Wyoming where there are large tracts of public and forested lands and lower human and livestock densities. Wolves are social carnivores and live primarily in family units called packs. Packs usually consist of a breeding female and a breeding male and their offspring from the current and previous years. Breeding season for wolves occurs in mid-February and a single litter per pack is usually born in mid-April. Wolves are territorial, with each pack establishing and defending an exclusive territory that includes the space and prey necessary for the pack to survive and reproduce. This social, territorial nature allows the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to accurately monitor and census the wolf population in Wyoming annually. In Wyoming, elk are the primary prey for wolves but they also prey upon moose, bison, deer and occasionally livestock where available. Wolves are active, cooperative predators, meaning they cover long distances to search and pursue vulnerable prey. - By Breanna Ball Wolves are active, cooperative predators, meaning they cover long distances to search and pursue vulnerable prey. (Photo by Jeffrey Soulliere) Wyoming Wildlife | 27