The main difference between wolf and wolverine is that wolf is a canid common in forest areas whereas wolverine is a weasel mainly found in arctic places in the northern hemisphere. Further, wolves live in packs while wolverine lives segregated, attacking each other for their spaces.
Wolf and wolverine are carnivorous mammals. Wolf is the largest among canids. Wolverine is the largest weasel and is also known as glutton or skunk bear.
Key Areas Covered
1. Wolf – Definition, Characteristics, Behaviour 2. Wolverine – Definition, Characteristics, Behaviour 3. What are the Similarities Between Wolf and Wolverine – Outline of Common Features 4. What is the Difference Between Wolf and Wolverine – Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Body, Fur, Hunting, Taxonomy, Wolf, Wolverine
Wolf – Definition, Characteristics, Behaviour
A wolf is a wild carnivorous mammal that belongs to the family Canidae. It is native to North America and Eurasia. Wolves live and hunt in groups called packs. The most characteristic features of wolves are their tall stature, long legs, and pricked ears. The color of the fur depends on the habitat.
Wolves are social predators that hunt in packs made up of 7-8 members. The typical strategy of hunting is wearing down the prey by chasing it and then hunting it.
Wolverine – Definition, Characteristics, Behaviour
A wolverine refers to a mostly dark brown wild animal with shaggy fur. It resemble a small bear. However, wolverines belong to the family Mustelidae. Wolverines live in the forests of North America. The most significant features of wolverines are their rounded head, short ears and short legs. Their body is stocky. The short legs and large paws facilitate the movement on the snow. The fur is oily and black to dark brown in color.
Wolverines are solitary animals that prefer scavenging rather than hunting. They also feed on the carrion left behind by the wolves. They always tend to fight for territorial disputes.
Similarities Between Wolf and Wolverine
- Wolf and Wolverine are carnivorous mammals.
- They are the largest of their family.
- Both hunt for their prey.
- They may live in cold habitats and fur covers the body.
Difference Between Wolf and Wolverine
Definition
Wolf: A wild carnivorous mammal that belongs to the family Canidae
Wolverine: A heavily built short-legged carnivorous mammal with a long brown coat and a bushy tail
Family
Wolf: Canidae
Wolverine: Mustelidae
Lives in
Wolf: North America, North Africa, and Eurasia
Wolverine: The isolated regions of Alaska, Scandinavia, northern Canada, Siberia, Mongolia, Russia, and northern China
Habitat
Wolf: Mainly inhabits forest areas
Wolverine: Mainly inhabits cold areas
Behavior
Wolf: Lives in packs
Wolverine: Lives segregated
Attacking
Wolf: Do not attack each other within the pack
Wolverine: Attack each other for space
Body
Wolf: Tall
Wolverine: Stockier
Features
Wolf: Have pricked ears and longer legs
Wolverine: Have rounded heads, short, rounded ears, and shorter legs
Fur Color
Wolf: Depend on the habitat; black, brown, grey, white, beige, reddish
Wolverine: Black to dark brown
Size
Wolf: 41-63 in length, 32-34 shoulder height, 40-175 lbs weight
Wolverine: 25-34 inches in length, 7-10 inches height, 22-55 lbs weight
Hunting Techniques
Wolf: Wear down the prey by chasing it and then hunt it
Wolverine: Scavenges rather than hunt; feeds on the leftover of the wolves
Running Speed
Wolf: Fast
Wolverine: Slow
Pregnancy Last for
Wolf: 62-75 days
Wolverine: 30-50 days
Number of Offspring
Wolf: 5-6 pups
Wolverine: 2-3 pups
Conclusion
Wolf is a canid while wolverine is a weasel. Both are the largest members of their respective families. Both are carnivorous mammals. The main difference between wolf and wolverine is the taxonomic group.
Reference:
1. Fritts, Steven H. “Wolf.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1 Dec. 2017, Available Here 2. “Wolverine Animal – Facts and AdaptationsGulo Gulo.” Emperor Penguin Facts, Available Here
Image courtesy:
1. “Eurasian wolf” By Mas3cf – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia 2. “Wolverine in Sweden” By Jonathan Othén – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
