An Article regarding
wolf paw anatomy
Hello
there fellow wolf supporters and conservationists! I'm back from a
rather long break from the scene as I started a rather important
position at my work and also suffered the loss of 3 grandparents in
12 months. So without further delay, I wanted to jump back in the
saddle and let you know I will be delivering content on a weekly
basis from this point on, starting now.
Today's
topic is the anatomy of the wolf paw and hopefully a few facts that
most of us are unaware of!
Wolves
are digitigrades which is an animal that stands or walks on its
digits (or toes).The wolf's foot consists of five toes on the front
of their foot and four toes on the back paws. The claws, other than
the most obvious of function act as traction when going over slippery
surfaces such as frozen lakes and wet muddy ground. The paw itself
has fleshy pads on the base which also helps with the traction and
the toes which are partly webbed can actually spread out and act like
snowshoes in deep snow and also assist with swimming when needed.
The
wolf can run just about 30-35 mph and is known to travel distances up
to 18 miles in a trot. Wolves tend to patrol territory for other pack
intrusion and also to look for prey. They have scent glands located
between the toes that leave chemical markers behind for navigation as
well as marking their land.
Here
is an amazing video from Wolf Center's Sanctuary in Winchester Idaho:
Pretty amazing huh?
Well the next article in line will be on the elusive Iberian wolves of Portuagal/Spain. So until next time, stay frosty!
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