Caucasian Steppe Wolf

Shirvan National Park

An animal species belonging to the class Mammalia, the order Carnivora, and the family Canidae. It is found in most regions of Azerbaijan, especially in Gazakh, Zagatala, Shamakhi, Bilasuvar, Lankaran, Shaki, and Aghdam. It is frequently observed along the shores of Gizilaghaj Bay on the Caspian Sea, in the Kura–Aras Lowland, and in Hirkan National Park. It can inhabit areas up to high mountain elevations. The body length is 100–140 cm, the tail length is 30–50 cm, the height is 80–100 cm, and the weight is 30–80 kg. Its head and muzzle are elongated, and its teeth are sharp. Its ears are erect and pointed. It has a very keen sense of smell. Its fur is grey and becomes thicker in winter than in summer. Wolves are active at night. The male wolf is larger than the female. Wolves are monogamous animals. In April–May, the female wolf gives birth to 4–8 pups. In winter, they mainly feed on ungulates, while in summer they feed on small vertebrates, insects, and berries.