The Texas Gray Wolf

The Texas gray wolf was classified as subspecies Canis lupus monstrabilis in 1937 by biologist Edward A. Goldman. It became extinct just 5 years later in 1942.

HABITAT
It could once be found from southeastern New Mexico throughout central Texas, all the way down to the Mexican border and into Louisiana.

CHARACTERISTICS
On average, they had a small to medium build. Though they were not quite as small as the Mexican wolf. Most were of a rather dark color, though some specimens have shown that they were occasionally white.

DIET
Bison made up a large portion of its diet until the herds of bison were wiped out. So, when the wolves were forced to switch over to feed on cattle, they were intentionally driven to extinction.

STATUS
Though the Texas Gray Wolf is considered by many to be a distinct subspecies, other versions of wolf taxonomy recognized the subspecies as belonging to either Canis lupus baileyi or Canis lupus nubilus. As stated above, they became extinct just 5 years after first being recognized as a separate subspecies.