Animal Talk with Pecker: The Maned Wolf

With fascinating, fox-like characteristics and the robust stature of a wolf, this pernicious pooch prowls the plains of South America as the largest canid on the continent. Elegant and deadly, the Maned Wolf has evolved as one of nature’s most alluring creatures.





The Maned Wolf is known locally as aguará guazú (meaning “large fox”), although it is not closely related to foxes. In fact, this beautiful beast of prey is not closely related to any other living canid. It is not a fox, wolf, coyote, dog, or jackal, but a distinct canid of the genus Chrysocyon. It’s actually most closely related to the bush dog. You probably don’t know what that is, and that’s okay because no one does. The bush dog is basically a retarded looking mix between a ferret and weiner dog. It looks nothing like the Maned Wolf, but science says they’re cousins or something so we’ll go that.



The Maned Wolf shares some superficial similarities to the red fox, albeit much larger. The Maned Wolf is the tallest wild canid in the world. Tall and slender the wolf is built for speed and stealth. The largest of the species can reach a weight of over 60 lbs and a shoulder height of nearly 40 inches. The fur is typically reddish brown to golden orange, with a distinctive black mane. The mane is erectile, meaning that it is used to enlarge the wolf’s profile when threatened or displaying aggression. Its long legs are likely an adaptation to the tall grasslands of the South American plains.





The Maned Wolf is found in open and semi-open habitats, especially grasslands with scattered bushes and trees, in south, central-west, and southeastern Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina, Bolivia east and north of the Andes, and far southeastern Peru.




The Maned Wolf’s incredible lungs have resulted in it having the 2nd greatest stamina of any candid, capable of running many miles without rest. It has been estimated to have a top speed nearing 50 mph. The animal is unique in that unlike other large canids it doesn’t form packs and hunts alone. It prefers to hunt at night and typically kills its prey by biting the neck or back and violently shaking the prey to death. The wolf is omnivorous and will eat anything from medium-sized mammals to birds, fish, fruit and vegetable matter. Fruits and vegetables can make-up nearly 50% of their diets.





This unique, beautiful and elegant creature is a gift from the cosmos. One we must do everything to cherish and protect. Tell your friends and family what you’ve seen here, and never forget where you were when you learned about this stunning stalker of the South American plains.

Join me in celebrating the Maned Wolf.