Get the facts on wolves
了解狼的现状
Read this leaflet from an environmental group to learn about this feared animal.
读读这则来自一个环保组织的传单,了解一下这种令人害怕的动物。
Where do they live?
它们住在哪里?
Wolves live in the northern hemisphere,
狼居住在北半球,
on three continents: Europe, Asia and North America.
居住在三大洲上:欧洲,亚洲和北美洲。
They are very adaptable: they can live in forests, on open plains, or in the snows of the Arctic.
它们的适应能力很强:它们可以住在森林,可以住在空旷的平原,或是北极的冰雪之中。
What are they like?
它们是什么样子的?
They resemble big dogs, with long legs, a wide head and thick fur.
它们看上去像大狗,腿长,头大,毛发浓厚。
In fact, all of our domestic dogs probably came from wolves many years ago.
事实上,所有我们的家狗是多年以前从狼演变而来的。
Wolves are about 1.5 to 2 metres long,
狼的身长大约1.5到2米。
and are about three quarters of a metre in height.
大约有三分之一米高。
So long as a wolf gets enough food, it will weigh about 40-50 kilograms.
只要一只狼吃了足够的食物,它能重达约40至50公斤。
What do they eat?
它们吃什么?
Although wolves usually prey on small mammals such as mice, rabbits and deer,
尽管狼通常捕获小型哺乳动物,比如老鼠,兔子和鹿,
they also hunt together to kill larger animals such as moose.
它们也共同捕杀大型动物,比如驼鹿。
When they kill a big animal,
当它们捕杀大型动物时,
they gorge themselves, and then may not eat again for up to two weeks.
它们狼吞虎咽,然后可以长达两周不进食。
If they are very hungry, they eat berries and seeds.
如果它们很饿,它们吃浆果和种子。
What is their family life like?
它们的家庭生活是怎样的?
Wolves live in groups, which are called packs, with about six to eight wolves in a pack.
狼以群为居,叫做群居动物,一群大概有6至8只狼。
Only one pair of wolves will bear cubs,
仅有一对狼会生育幼崽,
but all of the members of the pack will help feed and protect the cubs.
但是狼群里所有的成员都会帮助喂养和保护幼崽。
Are they dangerous to people?
它们对人类有危险吗?
Since in many stories and films wolves attack people,
由于许多故事讲到狼攻击人,
it is natural that people should think they are fierce and dangerous.
很自然的人们会认为狼是凶猛而危险的动物。
However, the truth is different.
但是,事实并不是这样的。
There is no proof that a wild wolf has ever harmed a human being.
没有证据表明野狼曾经伤害过人类。
Indeed, usually wolves run away when they see people.
事实上,狼看到人类后通常会逃跑。
Are they in danger from people?
它们有来自于人类的威胁吗?
Yes, very much so.
是的,非常严重。