Changes

Wolves are largely monogamous, and are sometimes considered to mate for life <ref>[http://www.thewildones.org/Animals/grayWolf.html The Wild Ones; Gray Wolf]</ref>  though extra pair matings are common events<ref>[http://www.wonderquest.com/animal-mate-for-life.htm Wonderquest; Animals that mate for life]</ref>.  The alpha wolves in the pack do the actual breeding, which occurs in the spring; the pups are born two months later.  The average litter size is six, but sometimes more are born.  The pups open their eyes after nine days, with a gradual weaning to regurgitated meat within a month.  The pups stay within the den for their first six weeks, gradually coming out to explore and play at the end of that period; by their third month they learn to hunt, and are fully adult in eighteen months.

Wolves are largely monogamous, and are sometimes considered to mate for life <ref>[http://www.thewildones.org/Animals/grayWolf.html The Wild Ones; Gray Wolf]</ref>  though extra pair matings are common events<ref>[http://www.wonderquest.com/animal-mate-for-life.htm Wonderquest; Animals that mate for life]</ref>.  The alpha wolves in the pack do the actual breeding, which occurs in the spring; the pups are born two months later.  The average litter size is six, but sometimes more are born.  The pups open their eyes after nine days, with a gradual weaning to regurgitated meat within a month.  The pups stay within the den for their first six weeks, gradually coming out to explore and play at the end of that period; by their third month they learn to hunt, and are fully adult in eighteen months.

==Wolves and People ==

==Value to Man==

Attempts were made in the 1930s and thereafter to eliminate these animals as pests in the United States, particularly in [[Yellowstone National Park]], where it had been considered that stray wolves regularly fed upon livestock.  By the time they were included in the ''Red Data Book'' in 1973, they were severely restricted in range throughout North America and Europe, and classified as an endangered species.   

Attempts were made in the 1930s and thereafter to eliminate these animals as pests in the United States, particularly in [[Yellowstone National Park]], where it had been considered that stray wolves regularly fed upon livestock.  By the time they were included in the ''Red Data Book'' in 1973, they were severely restricted in range throughout North America and Europe, and classified as an endangered species.