Source: National Geographic
Predator and Prey
What the wolf lacks in size, strength, and weapons it creates through cooperation and intelligence. Smaller and less powerful than mountain lions, for example, wolves work together to take down prey much larger than an individual wolf; prey can evade them. Although individual wolves were able to subdue large prey, their advantage was cooperation with their pack.
Wolves are opportunists. They check their prey, sensing any weakness or vulnerability through visual cues and even through hearing and scent. In contrast to ambush predators that rely on the element of surprise and a short and intense burst of energy to protect their prey, wolves are persistent and disruptive predators. They chase their prey, often for longer distances, sometimes even miles, to find the right animal or opportunity. When hunting, wolves work alongside a number of individuals who often fulfill their specific role in the hunt, often based on age, sex, and social status.
While wolves will eat hares and other small prey, their preferred targets are large ungulates such as deer and elk. Individual packages will specialize in hunting specific prey species. While it’s usually elk, reindeer, deer, and moose, it can also be bison, muskrat, lamb or even salmon.
It is not uncommon for wolves to be injured or even killed while hunting due to being kicked by a hoof or being gored by antlers. Usually, the prey they choose is in some way weaker and/or more vulnerable than others in the herd. They can be injured, sick, old, very young, or genetically poor. But even healthier animals can sometimes find themselves in a vulnerable position. Over time, this process allows the most likely prey to survive and pass on their genes and helps limit the spread of disease in the herd. This is an ancient evolutionary success story shared by both predator and prey.
On the Hunt
It is during a hunt that the cooperation between wolves in a pack is most evident. Wolves can track a herd of elk, reindeer, or other large prey for days before moving on. During this time, they have been hunting, assessing the herd, looking for an animal showing signs of weakness, and this is just the beginning. Wolves must also take into account other conditions that will affect the hunt; Weather and terrain can make the tip of the scales favorable to predators or prey. For example, a broad plain favors ungulates, which, if mature and strong, can outrun the fastest wolf. On the other hand, flaked snow or ice favors wolves with wide round feet that have evolved to act as snowshoes and carry them easily on surfaces. An experienced wolf is well aware that hooves penetrate the shell and can get bogged down in deep snow. Gray wolf hunting
The wolves have learned to use these conditions to their advantage. The late wolf biologist Dr. Gordon Haber spoke of a peculiar pack of dogs in Alaska that he observed following a herd of reindeer down a narrow path through deep snow. The wolves knew that their mere presence, following closely behind, would eventually frighten the reindeer. When the reindeer ran behind, scared, off the hard track and trying to run to the middle of the herd, it was found in the sled. When that happens, it’s all over. When the weather warms, these same wolves change their tactics, driving the reindeer down to the dry riverbed, where many ungulates stumble across round rocks.
As a result, a pack of wolves considers many different factors when choosing its target, and as circumstances change during the hunt, the goal may change as well. At first, they may be chasing a calf, but if a large strong bull suddenly stumbles, they both know to run after the larger meal. Conversely, if there are too many factors in favor of the prey, they may choose to wait. Sometimes it’s better to stay a little hungry until the odds improve than to expend precious energy on a fruitless chase.
Other wolf observers have reported that often less than half of wolf hunting is actually engaged in taking down prey. The youngest wolves often do nothing more than observe and learn from the sidelines. Each member of the other pack contributes according to their specific experience and abilities. Light, agile females often take on the role of herders, rushing back and forth in front of their prey, confusing and hindering escape. Slower but stronger males can take down a large animal more aggressively and quickly.
Some of the wolf’s bad reputation stems from the mob scene that apparently occurs after the prey begins to falter. Wolves are not equipped to take their victims away quickly; Prey often die from shock, muscle damage, or blood loss. If possible, one of the stronger wolves would grab the prey by the nose and hold on tight, helping to bring about a quicker end, but the animal could still take several minutes before succumbing. Armed only with legs for running and jaws for biting, wolves make the most of their limitations. The wolves’ apparent ferocity and brutality is actually a defensive measure. It is not uncommon for a wolf to be seriously injured by stretching its claws and antlers. A well-placed kick can break a wolf’s jaw, rendering it unable to feed itself. It’s much safer if you harass your prey and tire it out before moving in close. Far from being a mob scene, a hunt is a well-coordinated group effort that deserves our admiration.
Although the alpha male is usually in the thick of the hunt, it would be an exaggeration to say that he is leading him. The alpha can choose which animal to go after, or he can choose to abandon the hunt if it doesn’t go well. But he did not give orders to his subordinates like a general on the battlefield. The wolves seem to know what to do, and they do it as one.
The cubs monitor the behavior of the adults and see how the game is played. They witnessed how the adults changed their strategies according to the conditions and the type of prey. They learn how hunters handle each situation differently: what to do when prey rushes to open ground, or jumps into a river, or turns to defend itself.
When the pups finally join the hunt, they mimic more experienced wolves and perfect their herding and precision handling skills. By the time they reach full maturity, they have become part of a well-oiled machine. Even if they could verbally communicate with each other while hunting, it wouldn’t be necessary. They know exactly what to expect from others and what is expected of them.