| Statement |
Fact or Opinion? |
Why? |
| Wolves are sly, cunning and mean. |
Opinion |
This statement makes a generalization about all wolves. It can be proven that most wolves do not exhibit these traits. |
| Wolves live in packs or families. |
Fact |
Animal-behaviour experts have observed that this is true. |
|
Some North American native people think that the wolf is brave, loyal and intelligent.
|
Fact |
Ethnologists know that in the traditional mythology and spiritual beliefs of First Nation Peoples, the wolf is portrayed as having these traits. |
| Wolves are carnivores. |
Fact |
The fact that wolves eat meat has been well documented. |
|
A wolf will only eat meat from a freshly killed animal.
|
Opinion |
This statement has been proven to be incorrect: ranchers often insert poison into carcasses and leave them for wolves. |
| Wolves have supernatural powers. |
Opinion |
This statement has been proven to be incorrect: ranchers often insert poison into carcasses and leave them for wolves. |
| Wolves are very clever. |
Opinion |
As a breed, the intelligence of wolves is well documented. However, some wolves may not be as clever as others. |
| Wolves are always hungry. |
Opinion |
Scientists have observed that wolves have to work very hard for their meals. On average, only one in ten chases is successful. However, this doesn't mean that wolves are always hungry. |
| Wolves will accept humans into their pack. |
Opinion |
Although there are many legends about humans joining wolf packs, this has never been proven. Therefore, this statement is an opinion. |
| Some Inuit people use wolves as work animals. |
Fact |
Anthropologists have observed that some Inuit people use wolves as work animals. |
| Wolves can dig with their paws. |
Fact |
Scientists and hunters have observed wolves digging out their dens. |
| Wolves will gang up on a member of their own pack. |
Opinion |
Some wolves have been observed ganging up on another member of the pack," or "Wolves will sometimes gang up on a member" would be more accurate ways of describing this observation. |
| Wolves have a nine-week gestation period. |
Fact |
The gestation period of wolves is a scientifically proven fact. |
