Wolf Diet
Wolf pack feeding on carrion
Wolves are carnivores. They diet mostly consists of meat-that is their primary feeding source. However, when this is not available, at times they will feed on plants and vegetables, though this is not common. Though these are not the only animals they feed on, wolves' favorite prey are hoofed mammals such as elk, bison, and caribou. Other animals that wolves hunt contain smaller animals such as mice, rabbits, snakes, fish and birds. When wolves hunt, they typically go after the very young, very old, or sickly animals in a herd. The young and strong are left alone. This also makes wolves fair hunters. The prey populations will not become low, for the young, healthy and mature prey are the ones to stay alive and reproduce. Wolves go after larger animals for a few reasons. Wolves typically live in packs, so this makes it possible for wolves to hunt animals much larger than themselves. Often, wolves do not eat for several days in a row, so they gorge themselves when they get the chance. Wolves can eat up to 20 percent of their body weight after killing their prey-which is like a human eating about 80 hamburgers in one sitting! This way of feasting and fasting helps the wolf survive. Wolves also scavenge for carrion, or dead animals also known as carcasses, when not enough live game is to be found.
Wolf pups usually feed on milk from their mother, though they also can feed on meat depending on their age. Even at a young age, wolf pups receive treats like partly digested or well chewed up meat from adult wolves in the pack, both male and female wolves. Since wolves cannot carry food well in their mouthes without eating it themselves, what better way to get your meal than from good ol' family members?
Wolf pups usually feed on milk from their mother, though they also can feed on meat depending on their age. Even at a young age, wolf pups receive treats like partly digested or well chewed up meat from adult wolves in the pack, both male and female wolves. Since wolves cannot carry food well in their mouthes without eating it themselves, what better way to get your meal than from good ol' family members?