Wolves are canines - much like their successors, the dogs - which prowl the wastelands much as they have done since times immemorial. Wolves have a long history with mankind, and they are still rightly feared across the wastes for preying on lone travelers and exposed livestock.
Gray wolves originated in Eurasia during the Pleistocene, colonizing North America on at least three separate occasions during the Rancholabrean. Unlike dogs, which were domesticated from them, wolves are difficult if not impossible to tame and had a checkered reputation among humans, blamed for attacks on livestock and humans alike. Despite that, wolves were also widely respected and became a synonym for strength, loyalty, and teamwork. The nuclear holocaust had a limited impact on the common gray wolf, primarily in the form of freeing up land previously occupied for humans by their use. The lack of exposure to humans the post-apocalyptic world heralded has also enabled them to move past their instinctive fear of human beings.
The wolves steadily proliferated, carving out a niche in between other apex predators vying for the same resources and soon became a common sight in various wasteland areas, including New California (even with human civilization resurging).[1] Although the nuclear fallout had a marginal effect on most wolf populations, isolated groups like the ones inhabiting the wilds of Mount Desert Island, have steadily succumbed to the twisting influence of radiation and other environmental factors.[2]
Biology
Wolves are quadrupedal canines, much like dogs, and travel in large packs. They are substantially larger and stronger than the common dog and are visually very similar to breeds such as German shepherds or many sled dogs. Individually they pose no major threat to experienced players, but due to their tendency to travel in large packs with their kin, they can be quite dangerous.
Wolves are one of the very few creatures to have been left largely unaffected by radiation since the War. Although they were dying out in North America before the War, the commonplace encounters with them during the 22nd and 23rd century indicates that their species has had plenty of time to repopulate; this quite successfully.
Wolves are dangerous creatures and always travel in large packs of their kin. They easily outmaneuver their enemies and surround them, and lunge at their prey with sharp claws and powerful jaws.
Wolves in the wilds beyond Far Harbor have been mutated by the radioactive Fog and roam in ferocious, bloodthirsty packs. Fast, agile, and highly perceptive, wolves will often notice the player character before they notice them.
Wolf (Van Buren)
The following is based on Van Buren design documents and is not canon.
↑Far Harbor loading screen hints: "Wolves in the wilds beyond Far Harbor have been mutated by the radioactive Fog and roam in ferocious, bloodthirsty packs."
