Wolf

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This is an article about the species. For topics that share the name, see Wolf (disambiguation)
A wolf
Jeran Lobo, a fictional wolf character in Extinctioners

The wolf (Canis lupus), also known as the gray wolf or grey wolf, is a large canine native to Eurasia and North America.

These canines are defined as any of several large carnivorous mammals of the genus Canis, of the dog family Canidae, and are one of the most popular species for fursonas in the furry fandom.

Historical views[edit]

In Ancient Rome, wolves were considered symbols of sexual potency as well as good mothers, the latter easily noticeable in the Roman foundation myth of Romulus and Remus, where the twins were raised by a she-wolf. Native Americans revere the Wolf Totem in a different light, seeing wolves as Pathfinders and Guardians. This flies in contrast to the place of the wolf in most western history, wolves having been primarily seen as creatures to be feared, a viewpoint even noted in religious texts such as the Bible: "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

Modern perspective[edit]

Though the connotations associated with the wolf from ages past still lingers, the view of the wolf today is constantly evolving. Everything from scientific research and readily available documentaries to books and films has done much to alter the public view of these creatures, one notable such example being the film Never Cry Wolf. As the wild ancestors of domestic dogs, wolves are both familiar and exotic to humans, which might explain their continuing fascination. Wolves have almost become cliches in some types of modern historical and fantasy fiction, shown as noble, savage, or a mixture of both qualities. The Wolves of Time duology included wolf characters from nobly self-sacrificing through to unrepentantly evil. In the furry fandom, a mix of both elements is seen: admiration and distrust.

Species and subspecies[edit]

  • Ethiopian wolf, which resembles a fox and also known as the Abyssinian wolf, red jackal, Simien fox, Simien jackal and other names.
  • Himalayan wolf (unresolved taxonomy)
  • Red wolf, a rare species in Eastern USA (unresolved taxonomic identity)
    • Florida black wolf, an extinct subspecies of red wolf native to Florida.
    • Gregory's wolf, also known as the Mississippi Valley wolf, and sometimes as the swamp wolf (and other names), an extinct subspecies of the red wolf native to Mississippi.

Fictional wolf characters[edit]

See also[edit]

External links[edit]