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Wildlife at Zoo Montana, showcasing native animals and family-friendly exhibits in Billings, Montana.Visitors observing animals at Zoo Montana's outdoor wildlife exhibit.
Grey wolf in natural habitat, showcasing its keen eyes and thick fur.

Gray Wolf

Canis lupus
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Gray wolves, or timber wolves, are the largest members of the canine family. There are currently thirty species of gray wolves which include the red wolf, arctic wolf, and even the dingo. Individual gray wolves can vary in coloration — white, gray, black, brown, blonde, and reddish coats are common.

Gray wolves are highly adaptable and can survive in almost all habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Their size varies depending on where they live.

Today, they are mostly found in the remote wilderness of Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States.

Downloads

Grey Wolf Activity Sheet

Our Current Resident

ZooMontana has cared for resident gray wolves for nearly 20 years. The species plays an important role in our region and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The current residents, Thor and Onyx, are brothers, although they arrived at the Zoo at different times.

Wolf resting outdoors in a natural habitat at Zoo Montana.

Thor

Thor was born at Bear County USA in Rapid City, South Dakota before coming to ZooMontana in September of 2025 as a companion for his brother Onyx. Thor is a gray, or timber, color.

Gender: Male

Birthday: Born on April 8, 2020

Grey Wolf with piercing eyes in a forest setting.

Onyx

Onyx was born at Bear County USA in Rapid City, South Dakota before coming to ZooMontana in October 2020. Onyx is a dark black color.

Gender: Male

Birthday: Born on April 8, 2020

Pike

Pike was born on May 7, 2026, and joined ZooMontana is August of 2026. Although Pike is not biologically related to Thor and Onyx, he came to ZooMontana to join and help grow the pack. Pike is more white and lighter in coloration that Thor and Onyx.

Gender: Male

Birthday: May 7, 2026

Gallery

Grey wolf in natural habitat at Zoo Montana, showcasing its keen senses and majestic presence.
Grey wolf in natural habitat at Zoo Montana, showcasing its keen senses and majestic presence.
Grey wolf profile showcasing its keen senses and thick fur in a natural outdoor setting.
Grey wolf profile showcasing its keen senses and thick fur in a natural outdoor setting.
Grey Wolf in natural habitat at Zoo Montana.
Grey Wolf in natural habitat at Zoo Montana.
Grey Wolf resting in the wild at Zoo Montana.
Grey Wolf resting in the wild at Zoo Montana.
Wolf in winter at Zoo Montana, black fur and piercing eyes.
Wolf in winter at Zoo Montana, black fur and piercing eyes.
Grey wolf in natural habitat at Zoo Montana, showcasing its keen hunting instincts and striking fur.
Grey wolf in natural habitat at Zoo Montana, showcasing its keen hunting instincts and striking fur.
Wolf in forest with snow on the ground, showcasing its thick black fur.
Wolf in forest with snow on the ground, showcasing its thick black fur.
Close-up of a grey wolf in natural habitat at Zoo Montana.
Close-up of a grey wolf in natural habitat at Zoo Montana.
Gray Wolf resting in natural habitat at Zoo Montana.
Gray Wolf resting in natural habitat at Zoo Montana.

Taxonomy

Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Carnivora
Family:
Canidae
Species:
Canis lupus

Animal Facts

Diet:
Carnivore: mainly eat both large (elk, deer, moose) and small mammals (rodents, hares)
Population Status:
Endangered - Wolves are being persecuted in the western states, including Montana. Incorrect information is often cited in terms of their effects on livestock and game populations. In truth, native wolves are critical to a healthy ecosystem. For more information, check out our partner organization Team Wolf
Habitat:
rocky areas, shrubland, grassland, desert, wetlands, forest, artificial/ terrestrial
Activity:
crepuscular- mostly active during dusk and dawn

Today's Hours

10:00am to 2:00pm

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Black and white skunk with pink tongue, sitting outdoors at Zoo Montana.

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    Visitors exploring diverse animals at Zoo Montana's wildlife exhibit.

    Hours

    Fall Hours

    • Every Day: 10:00am to 2:00pm

    Guests are permitted to stay on grounds one hour after closing.
    *Open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Inclement weather and special events may also alter operational hours.

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