spoiler
The Vancouver Coastal sea wolf, also known as the Vancouver Island wolf, coastal wolf or sea wolf (Canis lupus crassodon)[2] is a subspecies of northwestern wolf, endemic to the coast of the Pacific Northwest.[3] They are a unique subspecies of wolf due to their semi-aquatic lifestyle, which includes a diet that is almost entirely marine-based.
The wolves play important roles in the cultures and spiritual beliefs of local indigenous people, with mythical creatures like the Gonakadet and Wasgo, found among the Tsimshian, Tlingit, and Haida peoples of British Columbia and Alaska, being inspired by them
Behaviour
One of the defining features of this subspecies is their movements between islands, in some cases swimming up to 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) between landmasses.[7] These movements are sometimes seasonal, including following the migration of salmon,[8] one of their preferred food sources.
Vancouver Island wolves have a diverse diet, with between 75 and 90 percent of it being sourced from the ocean. A quarter of that is salmon,[7] of which the wolves are documented eating solely the brains of, potentially to avoid a bacterial infection known as "salmon poisoning" which can be fatal to canids.[9]
Along the coast, they will forage for barnacles, clams, mussels, and crabs, digging into the sand with their paws and using powerful jaw muscles to break open shells.[8] They also scavenge whatever has been left behind by the tide, which can include everything from abalone to whale carcasses.[10]
Coastal wolves will also actively hunt marine mammals like otters, seals, and their offspring,[11] as well as terrestrial mammals like black-tailed deer.[8] River otters, as well as minks, appear more often as the chosen food source when the availability of terrestrial mammals decreases.[12] The wolves' diet varies as the seasons and scarcity of food sources change. They primarily feed on deer fawns and elk in the summer months while turning to beaver as a food source in the winter season. [13]
Additionally, age plays a part in the dietary differences of coastal wolves. Young pups consume a larger quantity of deer fawns, rather than adult deer, because it is theorized that the smaller prey is easier for adult wolves to transport to their offspring. [14]