Where did gray wolves historically live in Europe and Asia?

Historically, the gray wolf (Canis lupus) had one of the largest distributions of any land mammal, second only to humans and lions. Across Europe and Asia, they historically ranged throughout the entirety of these continents above 20° N latitude.1

They were highly adaptable, living in every type of habitat except for tropical forests and the most arid deserts. While they were once widespread, human activity—specifically the eradication of wolves due to their perceived threat to livestock—led to their removal from most of Europe. Today, while they occupy only about two-thirds of their former global range, they remain stable or are increasing in many parts of Eurasia, with populations in southern Europe and Scandinavia showing signs of recovery.12