Timber Wolf

Timber wolves, as a wolf classification, have long been misunderstood, thought of by many as a particular wolf type or wolf species.

Featured in the 1987 classic Benji the Hunted, the name timber wolf actually refers to a general classification of wolves, not a specific wolf species. As an antagonist in the story, the timber wolf’s tenacious attitude towards prey was highlighted in the movie. Though not exactly a species with a bone to pick with domestic animals, the depiction of a timber wolf in Benji the Hunted can be described as exaggerated, but not entirely inaccurate.

As a wolf classification, the timber wolf name applies to what is known by taxonomists as subspecies of Canis lupus or the “common wolf”, along with wolf species belonging to the “grey wolf” classification, specifically those which inhabit forested areas.

With forests being their native habitats, the origin of the timber wolf’s name is quite easy to pinpoint and figure out. Generally, timber wolves are grayish in their hue, with their physical attributes very similar with that of German Shepherds. Their thick fur affords them extra warmth during winter, as their strength and speed allows them with the capacity to hunt for prey larger than them.

Being wolves, timber wolves are social animals, running in packs.

Though their capacity for domestication remains to be challenging, certain breeders have successfully bred timber wolf hybrids, resulting to pups which are not as liable to go wild as their wild ancestors are.

Closely related to coyotes, the timber wolf is not classified as an endangered species, with its conservation status pegged to be a “Least Concern”. Found in parts of Asia and North America, timber wolves continue to stand as icons of steadfast strength, with different sporting teams and organizations ascribing timber wolves as their mascots or “animal totems”.

Timber Wolf Video