The endangered Maned Wolf is not actually a wolf, but it does belong to the canine family

Sizes

Length - 4 to 4 ˆ feet
Tail - 11 to 16 inches
Height - Up to 34 inches at shoulder
Weight - About 50 lbs.

Habitat and Habits

Lives in dry, shrubby forests and savannas of subtropical South America

Much of this area is grassland with swampy regions that grow high, lush vegetation

Tall grass is good for cover

Usually makes den among thick vegetation, where it spends most of the day sleeping

Long legs enable it to see above tall grass so it can spot prey easily

Toes can be splayed apart to help it travel on marshy ground
Are normally solitary

When fighting, stalk around each other with backs arched and tails erect to give impression of increased size

Food and Feeding

Is a flesh eater but fruits make up half its diet

Has sharp canine teeth for tearing meat and broad flat molars for crushing fruit

Favorite food is wild guinea pig found in its area

Also eats rabbits, rodents, lizards, frogs, birds, fish, and snails.

Hunts at dusk and at night

Usually hunts alone

Also hunts during day in areas untouched by humans

Stalks prey carefully, stopping to sniff the air and listen for prey's movement

Catches prey with swift, high pounce

Occasionally digs mammals out of burrows

Eats quickly, bending forelegs at elbow to tear at prey

Maned Wolf and Man

Classified as an endangered species

Numbers have declined due to hunting and habitat destruction

Range has reduced north to south, but has spread slightly westward