Coastal Wolves
Coastal wolves, also known as sea wolves, are a unique subspecies of gray wolves found exclusively on the remote coastal islands of British Columbia. They’re genetically distinct from their mainland relatives, with a lighter coat color, smaller size, and a narrower skull. They're powerful swimmers, known to cover distances of up to 13 kilometers (8 miles) between islands.
Coastal wolves hunt along shorelines and unlike most wolves, rely heavily on seafood, including salmon, herring, clams, mussels, otters and seals. It’s estimated 25% of a coastal wolf’s diet is made up of fish. Interestingly, they often focus on consuming just the brains of salmon, avoiding the rest of the fish, which potentially contains parasites. They’ll also scavenge on marine mammal carcasses that periodically wash up on shore.
Unlike other wolf packs, coastal wolf packs don’t have a strict social hierarchy. Instead, individuals may take turns leading hunts and caring for pups. Young wolves will remain with the pack for up to two years before dispersing to form a new pack or join another. Coastal wolves are long-lived animals, with a lifespan of up to 10-12 years.
The biggest threats to coastal wolves are habitat loss and hunting. British Columbia hunting regulations don’t recognize coastal wolves as a unique subspecies, so they fall under gray wolf hunting guidelines. Currently, hunters can take three wolves a year and trapping is unlimited.
