Wolves That Were Raised As Dogs Begin Exhibiting Very Strange Behavior As They Grow Up

Experts recently conducted a study in which they observed the behaviors of wolves raised by humans — you know, the norm for their dog counterparts. While the results confirmed wolves and dogs are indeed very different, other evidence suggested their similarities might be even more important than we realize.

Dogs vs Wolves

One study, conducted from DNA found in Siberia, suggests that there is at least 27,000 years between the modern dog and wolf. Despite similarities in their appearance, it's clear that, at some point, the evolutionary paths of both animals diverged. And while dogs still have wolf-like instincts, it wasn't known until recently how dog-like wolves really are.

Leave the Kids at Home

Wolves actively fear humans, and they avoid territory occupied by them. They're also far more independent than their domesticated counterparts despite their pack-like mentality. For example, when wolf packs go hunting, the pups are often left alone to learn to take care of themselves.

More of the Same?

Dorottya Ujfalussy, from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, was more interested in the similarities between the two animals, though. For example, both wolves and dogs like to greet each other by licking the other's faces. Similarly, both dogs and wolves can understand certain human gestures, like pointing fingers — something chimps actually struggle to understand!

Dorottya's Plan

Ujfalussy conduced a study that analyzed the characteristics exhibited in wolves that were raised by humans caregivers. Ten grey wolves pups participated, seven females and three males, all of which were raised by humans and lived in captive packs.