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Alaskan Grey WolfThe 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, which is not currently on display, is from the HM Revenue and Customs collections held at National Museums Liverpool. Other seized endangered species in the collections include coral, a 2.5m elephant tusk, an alligator handbag and a zebra leg lamp. In May 2008 a new gallery 'Seized: Revenue and Customs Uncovered' will open in the basement of the Merseyside Maritime Museum. In this gallery visitors will be able to find out how customs officers attempt to prevent the trade in these protected species. Learn more about wolves by visiting the International Wolf Centre website. |