The maned wolf is listed as vulnerable by the International
Union for conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN)
and endangered by the Brazilian government. The number of wolves
remaining in the wild is uncertain, but estimated at 2,000 -
10,000.Maned wolves are close to 4 feet long, stand almost 3
feet high at the shoulder, and weigh around 45 pounds, although
they appear to weigh more because of their long fur and tall
stature. The maned wolf has long legs and large ears, which help
it hunt effectively in tall grass savannas and dry shrub forests.
The animal is so tall that its overall height is greater than
the length of its trunk. Although termed a wolf, the maned wolf
is in its own genus and more closely resembles an overgrown fox.
They are native toBrazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
This photograph was taken at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen
Rose, Texas. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a 2,700-acre, visitor
supported conservation center that specializes in breeding programs
for threatened and endangered animals.