What primary staple might coastal gray wolves rely upon during spawning runs?
Answer
Salmon.
The diet of the gray wolf exhibits profound flexibility, changing dramatically based on the available resources within specific geographic habitats across continents. A clear example of this ecological variation is seen in coastal populations. Unlike interior continental packs whose caloric engine is driven by deer and elk, wolves residing in coastal regions may shift their primary focus dramatically to take advantage of seasonal abundance. During the time when salmon migrate upstream during their spawning runs, these fish can become a significant, if temporary, staple food source for the local wolf packs, demonstrating that the menu selection reflects immediate availability rather than inherent, unchangeable preference.
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