The gray wolf (Canis lupus), also called the grey wolf or timber wolf, is the largest wild member of the dog family (Canidae). It occurs across much of the Northern Hemisphere, with populations in North America, Europe, and Asia, though its range has been reduced in many regions by human persecution and habitat change. Adult size varies widely by sex and geography; weights are commonly cited in the range of roughly 18–80 kg (40–175 lb), with males averaging larger than females. Compared with coyotes and many other canids, wolves typically have a broader snout, tall legs, and relatively short, rounded ears. Their coat is thick (especially in winter) and often mottled gray or brown, but coloration can range from nearly white to black depending on population and individual.
