Canis lupus, commonly known as the gray wolf, is a large wild canine found in various habitats across North America, Europe, and Asia. These social animals live in packs, which are family groups that work together to hunt and protect their territory. Their diet mainly consists of large ungulates like deer, but they can also eat smaller animals and scavenged food. The gray wolf plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. By controlling the populations of herbivores, such as deer, they help promote healthy vegetation growth. This, in turn, supports other wildlife and contributes to biodiversity in their habitats.