May 30, 1804, near present-day Leavenworth, Kansas.

A very large canid, usually grizzled gray, but showing great variation in color, ranging from white to black. Long, bushy tail with black tip. Height: 26–38 in (66–97 cm); length: 4.3–6.8 ft (1.3–2 m); tail: 13.8–19.8 in (35–50 cm). Weight: 57–130 lb (26–59 kg).

Open tundra and forests.

Once most of North America, now only Alaska, Canada, northern Washington, northern Idaho, northern Montana, Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior, and northeastern Minnesota.

The gray wolf is on the U.S. Endangered Species List. It is classified as endangered in Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming; and is classified as threatened in Minnesota.