Wolf’s Den

Before giving birth the mother has to find a den. Two main things that are really important for a den are: nearby water such as a stream, river, or a lake and a high or protected location in the pack’s territory. Some examples of a den are: deep hollow riverbank, cleft between rocks, hollow log, space under an upturned tree, and space under a rock overhang.

The basic layout of a den is one or two entrances about twenty to twenty-eight inches wide and fifteen to twenty inches high. A tunnel that can be as long as fifteen feet leads to the birthing chamber. The birthing chamber is three feet wide and two feet high.

Wolves would reuse their dens as generations go by. The Alpha Female decides if she wants to reuse the old den or if she wants to take the time and search for a new den. 

Once a  den in Jasper National Park was reused by wolves eight times in fifteen years. A den on Ellesmere Island may be even older, since bones dated back to  783 years old.

 
photo by DenverBryan.com
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