The maned wolf has a distinctive appearance. It’s often described as a “fox on stilts” because of its long legs and fox-like face. Along the back of the bone and shoulder joint, it has a strip of long black hair. In case of danger, the mane can be erected to make the animal look larger. 

The maned wolf lives in South America. Most of the animals live in Brazil. They are found on the savannah, in bush thickets and in swamps.

The maned wolf is the largest animal in the canine family. Adult wolves are 140 cm and weigh up to 25 kg. The coat of animals has a golden brown colour. At the same time, the paws and mane are dark. The muzzle of the wolf is elongated and pointed, similar to a fox.

The main distinguishing feature is the long legs of the animal. Scientists thought that the maned wolf developed its long legs during evolution to help it see over the tall grasses of the savannah. The wolf has good hearing. Its ears may reach 20 cm in length and are believed to help the animal hear the movements of rodents. The ears also release heat to cool the animal down in the hot South American climate.

Unlike true wolves, maned wolves are solitary and they do not live in packs. The male and the female share a territory, but the two animals only come together during the breeding season.

Maned wolves are omnivores. They hunt in the dark: at night or at dawn and dusk. The animals catch small mammals. Also in their diet are fish, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. Unlike other canids, maned wolves prefer a variety of plants and fruits. These animals give particular preference to the fruits of lobeira, which are also known as wolf apples.

Currently, the population of maned wolves is listed in the Red Book and classified as «near threatened».