Iberian wolf: characteristics and personality

The Iberian wolf is a very intelligent animal, very similar to a wolf dog, in almost everything, in its appearance, its look and in some of its behaviors, but is not a dogis a subspecies of common wolf that inhabits the Iberian Peninsula.

The fact is that this canid, whose scientific name is Canis lupus signatus (meaning "spotted or marked wolf") has great qualities and capabilities that many of us are attracted to. Read on to learn more about the Iberian wolftheir characteristics and personality.

Characteristics of the Iberian wolf

If there is one thing that distinguishes a Iberian wolf of a wolf is its body structurewhich, although very similar, is smaller in size, characterized by:

• Physical Contexture. It is strong, fast, with good physical build, elongated body (100 to 120 cm in length), medium size.
• Head shapeThe head is large, broad in the area of the face and with projection in the forehead, being a little flattened in the posterior area. When observed laterally, a wedge-like shape can be appreciated.
• Collar. Solid, strong, in harmony with his muscular body. His chest is also strong, and not very broad. With an almost flat abdominal region, the loin shows a slightly elevated line.
• Muzzle shapeMuzzle: Its muzzle is short, being wider at the base and narrower towards the tip, ending in a short snout.

Other characteristics of the Iberian wolf

• The lips. They have a breadth that makes them look like a smile, they are not very tight, but they do not hang. With dark nose, usually black, and nostrils of medium tightness.
• Eyes. His eyes are expressive, ranging in color from yellow to amber, almond-shaped and set at a slight slant. His gaze conveys a state of being always alert to what is around him. His eyebrows are not pronounced.
• Ears. High, triangular in shape, broad, always raised to better orient itself to what is happening in its environment. Typical of the wolf dog.
• Members. They look sinewy, elongated and slender, with wide and strong feet, resistant to run in any type of terrain and withstand different temperatures.
• Fur. Its fur is less dense and long than the fur of an Arctic or Siberian wolf, it is of heterogeneous color, almost always brownish gray with ocher tones, with black stripes on its front legs, which are the sign that distinguishes this wolf subspecies.
• Cola. It is observed covered with hairs, with a high entry point and extending to the hock or a little beyond, it is relaxed while at rest and when it is in activity it tends to undulate a little.
• Speed. It is capable of covering enormous distances, reaching up to 50 km/h, being able to jump up to 5 m in length and swim a few kilometers in open water.

Feeding

Iberian wolves are carnivorous animals that love to eat everything from rabbits to different ungulates. In addition, they are great scavengers, so they like to take advantage of the remains of dead animals, regardless of how they have died (whether they have been prey of a predator or because they have died in an accident, etc.). Occasionally they may feed on fruits and leftover food that they can get, as they do not miss any opportunity to eat.

Reproduction

The breeding season for these animals begins at the end of January and culminates at the beginning of April, at which time the breeding pair is ready to separate from the herd. The gestation lasts approximately 60-65 days, giving birth to litters of between 3 and 8 puppiesThey weigh about 500 grams at birth.

Puppies do not open their eyes until the age of 12-15 days and are so vulnerable that the mother is very hostile to anyone who approaches them, which ensures the survival of these defenseless cubs. The mother breastfeeds the cubs until they are one or two months old, and then they are fed by both the mother and the rest of the pack, with food regurgitated for them. When they reach 4 months of life they are called cub scouts and remain with the family until they reach sexual maturity and then proceed to leave to form their own herd, which occurs when they are 2 years old (females) and 3 years old (males).

Iberian wolf personality

The Iberian wolf is a gregarious animal, which means that it spends its life in a pack, with which it goes out to hunt and with which it carries out its vital activities, such as reproducing and defending its own, so it is considered a very sociable and protective species, a behavior that changes with the passing of time, since the older wolves become more solitary.

As for the pack, it is formed by a breeding pair and the young pups, which, when they grow up, go out to form their own packs. In each pack there is an alpha male, who is the dominant wolf of the pack and therefore the leader, since there is a certain hierarchy that delimits the power and position of each individual in the pack.

Iberian wolves are very territorial animals, they like to mark the areas they inhabit with their urine, scratches, etc. and howl to avoid the intrusion of other canids in their territory. They also do it as a way to scare away other predators that want to compete against them for prey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Iberian wolves like?

They are very intelligent animals, with highly developed senses, especially smell. It is a gregarious animal, which means that it spends a lot of time in the company of a herd.

What is the color of the Iberian wolf?

The color of this animal is heterogeneous, with a coat presented in gray with ochre tones.

What is its habitat?

The habitat of an Iberian wolf consists of mountains, forests or riverbanks. As long as they have conditions for their development, i.e., water and food, they will look for a suitable refuge and, unless humans arrive there, they will be able to survive on their own.

It is important to point out that, long ago, the Iberian wolf was found in almost all the peninsular territory, where it was part of the fauna of the Iberian Peninsula. However, nowadays it is found in the northeast of the peninsula, as well as in several areas of northern Andalusia.

What type of animal is the Iberian wolf dog?

The Iberian wolf is not a dog as many people think. The Iberian wolf is a close relative of other wolf species, such as jackals and coyotes.although is not descended from the wolf as such, since, according to studies, they are different species that evolved from a common ancestor.

What is its size?

The height of this animal is 60 to 70 cmalthough specimens have been found with a slightly larger size.

What is its weight?

The weight differs between the two sexes of this breed: the female usually weighs about 30 kg, while the male can weigh up to 70 kg.

Why is it endangered?

This canid is considered a "near threatened species" (NT) due to the fact that there are few safe territories for it, which causes its numbers to decrease despite efforts to maintain an adequate population. 

How many Iberian wolves are left in the world?

In the Iberian Peninsula, there are currently more than 300 Iberian wolf packs, i.e., over 300 wolf packs. 3,000 wolves.

How old are you?

The Iberian wolf has an average lifespan of 16 years in the wild.

Where is there an Iberian wolf?

This animal is found to a greater extent towards the north of the Iberian Peninsulaalthough there is a fairly regular population in other more extensive localities such as Asturias, in the northern part of Castilla, Galicia and in Cantabria. It is also found in countries such as Portugal.

Can I buy an Iberian wolf?

No, hunting this animal in Spain is illegal. Therefore, you cannot buy an Iberian wolf.

Is the Iberian wolf dangerous?

No, the Iberian wolf is not dangerous. Although it is a predator, this animal is rather shy (or let's say, distrustful) so it tends to flee from contact with people. In fact, the Iberian wolf attacks humans. only if you feel threatened. Even, attacks on people in Spain have not been recorded for several decades.

Now that you know the Iberian wolf better, tell us, what do you think about the characteristics and personality of this animal? We want to see your opinion in the comments.