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It’s all in the howl
Perhaps the most well known characteristic of the grey wolf is its penetrating, hauntingly beautiful howl. This is a primary communication tool, both between lone wolves and their pack, as well as between packs. When it comes to territory, inter-pack howling will determine the size and strength of different pack, often determining weather or not to attack or retreat.

Wolf packs need large territories to supply them with enough prey, but the size can vary widely depending on factors such as climate, terrain, prey abundance, and the presence of other predators.

Gray wolf territories range in size from 50 to 1,000 square miles, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.12 Wolves can cover large areas while hunting, traveling up to 30 miles in a day. They primarily trot at about 5 mph, but can run as fast as 40 mph for short distances.

Gray wolves usually live in packs of six to 10 individuals, led by a dominant breeding pair. You may have heard someone refer to these pack leaders as "alpha wolves," or males and females who supposedly gain dominance by fighting within their packs, eventually becoming the group's leaders and exclusive breeders. This view is widespread — and misleading.7