Thanks to its isolation, the arctic wolf is not threatened by hunting and habitat destruction like its southern relatives.  In fact, the arctic wolf is the only sub-species of wolf that is not threatened.

Physical Description
Arctic wolves are smaller than grey wolves, They also have smaller ears and shorter muzzles to retain body heat.

Size
Length: about 1-1.8m, including tail.
Weight: 45-70kg

Diet
The arctic wolf lives mainly on muskox, Arctic hares and caribou.

Reproduction
As the permafrost (permanently frozen ground) prevents the Arctic wolf from digging a den, they typically live in rocky outcrops or caves. Each year the mother wolf gives birth to two or three pups.

Distribution
Arctic regions of North Amercia and Greenland.

What are the main threats?
Unlike other species of wolf, the Arctic wolf rarely comes into contact with human so does not face the threat of hunting or persecution. However, the greatest threat to the Arctic wolf is climate change. Extreme weather variations in recent years have made it difficult for populations of muskox and Arctic hares to find food, and this has caused a decline in numbers. In turn, this has reduced the traditional food supply of the Arctic wolf.

Industrial development also poses a threat to the wolf, as an increasing number of mines, roads and pipelines encroach on the wolf’s territory, and interrupt its food supply.