1. Wolves use dens for the rearing of their young. Dens are sometimes constructed out of the vacated burrows of other animals, in rock crevices, or hollows in and around trees. It is common for wolves to reuse the same den. These structures are sometimes quite large with tunnels extending 2-4 m (6.5-13 ft.) underground to a chamber. Some dens have more than one entrance.
2. Activity is diurnal. Wolves often travel long distances, covering ranges of up to 200 km (124 km) per day. They travel at speeds of about 8 km/hr. (4.9 mph) but can reach running speeds of up to 55-70 km/hr (34-43.5 mph). Additionally, gray wolves have been known to pursue prey for as long as 20 minutes covering distances of up to 5,000 meters (3 miles).
3. Wolves hunt in packs. They hunt by stealth, harrassment, and active chase - ultimately attacking the rump, flanks, and shoulders of large prey. Most attempts end in failure.
4. Packs are usually composed of a mated pair that are the most dominant animals in the group, and their offspring of one or more years. The pack is led by an alpha male. The social heirarchy is established and maintained through aggressiveness, elaborate greetings, and submission.
5. Gray wolves communicate using vocalizations, scent marking, and body language. Howling is used to communicate territorial cues over long distances and helps to bring the pack back together when they are dispersed. Each wolf has a distinct howl.
6. In spite of their reputation as being a threat to humans, there are actually very few documented wolf/human attacks, and many of those that have been reported have not resulted in serious injury.