Wolf Pup Deaths

[Koroda]

I have read somewhere that half of all wolf pups die before a certain age. But, what do they usually die from? Is it like coyotes and bears and hawks? Starvation? A common, fatal disease? And, do the parents grieve a pip's death?

[Koa]

In general:

What do wolves die from?

The natural causes of wolf mortality are primarily starvation, which kills mostly pups, and death from other wolves because of territory fights. Diseases such as mange, canine parvovirus and distemper can be killers both in small and recovering populations and in some established populations as well. Evidence suggests, however, that large wolf populations build up a resistance to canine parvovirus. Lyme disease also infects wolves, and heartworm can reduce a wolf's endurance by restricting blood flow to the lungs. Injuries caused by prey result in some deaths. The large mammals that wolves hunt and kill can inflict mortal injuries with antlers and hooves. Human-caused mortality including legal (hunting and trapping in some locales) and illegal (poaching) activities can be high in some populations. Wolves are sometimes hit by cars in areas where road density is high. Pup mortality rates are highly variable, but approximately 40 to 60% of wolf pups die each year.

http://www.wolfquest.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=34625

Wolves do not "grieve" like humans do and its a bit misleading/humanizing to say they do. They are more likely to move on and worry about the remaining pups' survival, as well as their own.

[Koroda]

Thanks, Koa! This answers my question.

[Alpha Female]

Thanks for helping Koa! Glad the question could be answered. ^^

-Locked-