Winter comes to Mexican wolf country (December 3)
Cold, wintery weather blew into Mexican wolf country in late November. Some areas, such as the Paradise Pack home range west of Springerville, Arizona, have received several inches of snow since Thanksgiving.
Fortunately, Mexican wolves are well insulated against the cold by their thick, double-layer fur coats. Long, coarse guard hairs form a protective outer coat, while a thick, softer undercoat keeps out the chill.
Lobos' large paws act like snowshoes, helping the animals run across packed snow more easily than heavier, hoofed elk. This gives the wolves an advantage in hunting their prey.
