It was first classed as a distinct subspecies in 1941 by Edward Goldman, who described it as being a large subspecies, with a skull closely resembling that of C. l. pambasileus, and whose fur is generally of a cinnamon-buff color.

HABITAT

It was once found in the greater part of British Columbia, parts of Yukon, Alberta, and southwestern Alaska It crossed territories with the Alexander Archipelago Wolf and the Cascade Mountain Wolf.

CHARACTERISTICS

Canis lupus columbianus was one of the larger subspecies of the Gray Wolves in North America. They weighed between 80-150 pounds, and had long coats which were usually black, often mixed with grey, or brown. They measured roughly 60 to 70 inches in length. It had similarities to both the Alaskan Interior Wolf and the Mackenzie Valley Wolf, though it usually measured smaller than both.

DIET

The British Columbian wolf fed on hares, birds, deer and other ungulates.

STATUS

Hunted to extinction.