What Do Arctic Wolves Eat? Arctic wolves or more commonly known as white wolves or polar wolves are found in the colder areas. It is a sub-species of grey wolves that can be often found in Canadian islands. They are not threatened by hunting or habitat destruction. Arctic wolves live in the Arctic regions of Greenland and North America, on land that is covered with snow or ice.
Many people learning about their lives often wonder what arctic wolves eat. Just like other species of wolves, they are also fond of hunting their prey in packs. They are carnivorous and eat a variety of meat-based foods. Most animals don’t live around the snow-covered regions resulting in arctic wolves roaming around thousands of square mile areas to find the prey. If you want to learn more about their diet and what they love hunting, keep reading!
Musk Oxen
When arctic wolves are in packs they are able to hunt larger animals. They hunt musk oxen which are close to buffaloes in size with shaggy hair and two horns on their head. They are not very aggressive and can be easily hunted by the wolves. As arctic wolves are meat eaters they love to hunt musk oxen to satisfy their hunger.
Caribou
This reindeer species is also a common part of an arctic wolf’s diet. It is a sub-species of deer found in Arctic regions. As it is common to find these in the colder regions, arctic wolves hunt them down with ease when they are in packs. The wolves are not afraid to hunt bigger animals. Arctic wolves love to divide the workload by closing in on bigger animals in a group.
Arctic Hares
Arctic wolves also hunt smaller animals like arctic hares. These can be easily grabbed by a wolf without much effort. The size of arctic hares is bigger than usual rabbits, and they are commonly found in the icy areas. Most wolves are able to hunt these hares without their pack too.
Lemmings
When they are unable to find any larger animal they hunt smaller animals. Lemming is another smaller animal hunted by the arctic wolves. It is a small rodent which forms a part of the Muroidea family. They are easy prey for the wolves and don’t have the capacity to outrun them if they are seen in the open.
Birds And Seals
Arctic wolves don’t miss the chance to catch a winged dinner as they also hunt birds like ptarmigans. These ptarmigans can be white or brown due to seasonal changes and can be easily found on the snowy backdrop by the arctic wolves. Since these wolves hunt in the snowy regions, they manage to get their hands on seals as well. These are their favourite food, and they love to hunt them down. Arctic Wolves are interesting creatures and ruthless predators who are able to find their food in the harshest of conditions. If you didn’t know about their diet yet, now you do.