What is an Italian Wolf? “An Incredibly Fierce Predator from the Italian Alps”
The Alps are home to one of the fiercest animals on Earth - the wolf. Native to the wilderness in areas of Eurasia and North America, it dominates its habitat with its strong hunting instincts and superior muscle structure. No wonder it’s known as an ‘apex’ predator. The wolf is just one of the hundreds of animals that prosper in the mountainous climate of the Italian Alps. Our Miramonti Boutique Hotel is beside the Italian Alps, and it never fails to surprise us with the amount of flora and fauna that thrive in the harsh climate. Through this ‘Alpine Animal’ series, we hope to put a spotlight on some of the unique animals that call the Alps their home.
“DESCENDANTS OF THE GREY WOLF”
In 1921, the zoologist Giuseppe Altobello discovered that the Italian wolf was a sub-species of the grey wolf. This meant that the Italian wolf was a different species to the European wolf, which also inhabits the European Alps. The wolf is medium-sized and typically weighs around 30-45kg, it has a brown-greyish coat that turns into a reddish hue during the summer.
Source: Wikipedia
“SKILLED HUNTERS”
Wolves are highly adaptable and are prime predators. They can live in diverse habitats which include woodland, mountains, shrublands and plains. In terms of food, they usually hunt at night, looking for chamois, elk, hares and boars. Although, sometimes, they do eat berries and herbs. What gives them the edge when being a predator is their complex social interactions within a pack. Many wolves stick in packs, where there are distinct roles and communication to hunt down prey.
Winter is the ‘prime time’ for wolves to start breeding and reproducing. Usually, the dominant male and female wolves in the pack will mate, and give birth to about 2-6 puppies. The whole pack will then raise the younger pups until they are adults, and are fit to start their own pack.
“WOLVES AS A SYMBOL OF ITALY”
Ever heard of the story of Romulus and Remus? They are known as the founders of the city of Rome. As children, they suckled upon a she-wolf, and that wolf became a mother-figure for them. This is a famous mythical story as told throughout many centuries, and the wolf continues to be an prominent symbol for Rome and the country of Italy.
“THREAT”
Until the mid-1800s, Italian wolves can be found all over the country, including Sicily. However, through extensive hunting and poisoning attempts, the population dramatically decreased and put the species to near extinction. At one point, there were only less than 100 wolves left in the entire Italian peninsula. But thanks to the conservation project launched in the 1970s called, ‘Operation Saint Francis’, the wolf population has recovered, and many of these wolves have repopulated in the Italian Alps.
Why not stay at Miramonti Boutique Hotel? We are located within the Alps, with a Hotel Spa, relaxing Cigar Lounge and an Italian Restaurant that serves local Valtellina Cuisine.
For more articles about the Italian Alps and Northern Italy, read the blog: