Aging wolf

Thought some folks might find this useful in estimating the age of wolves they caught.
This is a wolf I caught two years ago that a wildlife biologist estimated to be around 10-12 years old.

I'd say that one is past his prime a bit.

What kind of shape was he in? Fat, emaciated, scars, wounds, etc.? Its teeth are sure in rough shape.

trap or snare?

Caught it in an Alaska #9. Had no fat at all on it, it was also a satellite wolf. If I remember correctly there were a few bones that looked like they had been broken at some point in it's life and healed.

Wow. One tough old man .

Im surprised he lived that long .

Just a guess, but from the wear , Im guessing he tended to chew more on one side than the other .

Would love for Jack to see this and offer his insight.

Female ??

Wow. That's lot of hard chewing. He must have lived through a lot of serious tooth aches..

White, yes it was a female. Was caught nowhere near a village, this is a remote trapline.

She looks like her hair is pretty good. I wonder if the pack had kicked her out ?

Looks like her days were definitely numbered. Mother nature is a cruel mistress