In the northern United States, wolves usually breed from late January through March. Their gestation period typically lasts for around 63 days, with pups born into litters of 4-6 in the mid-to-late spring. They tend to weigh just around one pound and cannot see or hear at birth.
During their first 12 days, they move only in a slow crawl and spend most of their time feeding four to five times a day, while sucking, licking, whining, and yelping. Their eyes begin to open between days 11 and 15, though full vision takes several more weeks to develop. They start walking between days 14 and 24 but typically stay inside the den until after day 24. Over the next 14 weeks, females gain about 2.6 pounds per week, while males gain around 3.3 pounds per week.
This young wolf, at just about a month old, stepped outside of its den in early April only to come face to face with a massive bull elk. Given the pup’s age, there’s a very good chance this is the first time its ever seen an animal of this size.
Though undoubtedly adorable, wolf pups should always be given plenty of space. In Yellowstone National Park, for example, tourists are required to give wolves at least 100 yards (300 feet) of space at all time. It’s pretty clear the person behind the camera used a telephoto or zoom lens to capture this video, keeping plenty of space between himself and the animal. Read more about wolf safety bellow.
Yellowstone National Park Wolf Safety:
Wolves are not normally a danger to people, unless they become habituated to their presence and food (there has never been an attack in Yellowstone). Two habituated wolves have been killed in the park. Help us protect wolves in Yellowstone by:
- Remaining at least 100 yards away when watching or photographing them.
- Telling a ranger if you see wolves near developed areas or approaching people.
- Keeping your dog leashed at all times when it’s outside a vehicle.
If you’re concerned about a wolf because it’s too close or not showing any fear of people, stand tall and hold your ground. If the wolf approaches you, wave your arms, yell, and flare your jacket. If that doesn’t discourage it, throw something at it or use bear spray. Group up with other people, continue waving and yelling, and tell a ranger as soon as possible.
Do not handle wolf scat: it may contain tapeworm eggs that can cause hydatid disease in humans.
