In regard to the iron work, these dens are merely an understudy of the Bear Dens. The dimensions of each den of the series are 16 by 48 feet, and the height of the bars to the top of the overhang is 9 feet 6 inches. The sleeping dens are of simple construction, all save one being of wood, trimmed with bark-covered slabs. At present the Wolf Dens are divided into four compartments.
The Gray Wolf, (Canis nubilis), is known by as many names as it has color phases. In the North, where it is white, it is called the “White Wolf,” while in Florida it becomes the “Black Wolf.” In British Columbia and around Great Slave Lake, both white and black wolves abound, as well as the standard gray, but on the Barren Grounds the white phase predominates. In Texas a “Red Wolf” is found, but apparently the red phase is of somewhat rare occurrence, and is never found in the North.
In the West this animal has recently come into prominence in a way that is striking terror to the hearts of ranchmen and others who have stock to lose. While all kinds of desirable game animals are decreasing at an alarming rate, the Gray Wolf not only holds its own, but is multiplying rapidly. The destruction by it of calves, colts and sheep, has become so great that nearly every western State has placed on the head of this bold marauder a bounty varying from $2 to $10. In some States this law has been in force for several years, but with no sensible diminution in the number of wolves.
TIMBER WOLF.
The Gray Wolves which live in touch with civilization are by no means such bold and dangerous animals as they formerly were. In the early days, when wolves were numerous and fire-arms few and primitive, the Gray Wolf undoubtedly was a dangerous animal. But the breech-loading rifle has changed all this. Excepting for his stock-killing propensities, the Gray Wolf is now a skulking creature. In the United States this animal possesses the courage of a coyote, but in the Barren Grounds it is still fierce and dangerous. However much the wolf may skulk and flee when the way is open, when brought to bay he knows how to fight. One snap of his powerful jaws and shear-like teeth is enough to disable almost any dog, and send it howling to the rear. It is no wonder that western dogs of experience are shy of approaching a Gray Wolf within snapping distance.
Excepting the localities from which it has been driven out by civilization, the Gray Wolf ranges over the whole North American continent from central Mexico to 83° 24′ N.
The Coyote, or Prairie Wolf, (Canis latrans), is a personal acquaintance of nearly every trans-continental traveler. To those who have camped on the “plains,” he is quite like an old friend; and the high-pitched, staccato cry—half howl and half bark—with which he announces the dawn, is associated with memories of vast stretches of open country, magnificent distances, sage-brush and freedom. Because of his fondness of barking, Thomas Say, the naturalist who first described this species, christened it, Canis latrans, which means “barking wolf.”
COYOTE: PRAIRIE WOLF.