The Mackenzie Wolf: Canis lupus mackenzii

Subspecies: occidentalis

The Mackenzie Wolf was originally classified as Canis lupus mackenzii, the Northwest Territories wolf; not recognized as a sub-species of the gray wolf until 1943.

In 1992, this wolf was re-classified as Canis lupus occidentalis, common with wolves in Alaska and Western Canada.

 

Dave Merrick - Tres Lobos
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Terms such as British Columbian wolf, Manitoba wolf, Mackenzie tundra wolf, Mackenzie Valley wolf, interior Alaskan wolf, and Alaska tundra wolf are all descriptive terms for this species of gray wolf.

The main prey of this gray wolf species is the caribou.

Most studies of the Mackenzie wolf occurred in the Mackenzie District of the Northwest Territories in Canada.

Dr. Jeremy Paul - Wolves on High Ground
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Not much has been "published" on Canis lupus mackenzii but one of the most comprehensive studies was done in 1954 by W.A. Fuller, Wolf Control Operations, Southern Mackenzie District, Canada Wildlife Service Report.

Mech and Busch make little reference to the former Canis lupus mackenzii.

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