Alaskan Grey Wolf

The Alaskan (or Rocky Mountain Wolf) is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf. It can be found in much of western Canada and Alaska. It lives in groups of up to 30 individuals, ranging over large areas in the hunt for food that includes elk, moose, bison, beaver and even salmon.

This head and neck of an adult wolf specimen arrived in the UK through Tilbury Docks near Gravesend. It was prepared in Alaska and shipped into Tilbury where it was seized by HM Revenue and Customs.

The Alaskan Grey Wolf is a protected animal and any trade is illegal without a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) certificate. However, legal shooting and trapping of wolves occurs throughout Alaska, with up to 20% of the population being culled every year.

This exhibit is currently in the endangered species display in Seized! the border and customs uncovered, which shows how customs officers attempt to prevent the trade in these protected animals. Other endangered species in the collections include coral, a 2.5m elephant tusk, an alligator handbag and a zebra leg lamp.

Learn more about wolves by visiting the International Wolf Centre website.

Animals online exhibition | Back to the top