The gray wolf is a species of Canis.
Canis is a genus of canids containing multiple extant species , such as wolves , dogs and coyotes . Species of this genus are distinguished by their moderate to large size , their massive , well-developed skulls and dentition , long legs , and comparatively short ears and tails . The gray wolf or grey wolf ( Canis lupus ) , also known as the timber wolf or western wolf , is a canine native to the wilderness and remote areas of Eurasia and North America . The gray wolf is the second most specialised member of the genus Canis , after the Ethiopian wolf , as demonstrated by its morphological adaptations to hunting large prey , its more gregarious nature , and its highly advanced expressive behavior .