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maned wolf

mammal
Also known as: Chrysocyon brachyurus

maned wolf, (Chrysocyon brachyurus), rare large-eared member of the dog family (Canidae) found in remote plains areas of central South America. The maned wolf has a foxlike head, long reddish brown fur, very long blackish legs, and an erectile mane. Its length ranges from 125 to 130 cm (50 to 52 inches), excluding the 30–40-centimetre tail. Its shoulder height is about 75 cm, and its weight is approximately 23 kg (50 pounds). A solitary animal, the maned wolf is primarily nocturnal and feeds on small animals, insects, and plant material. It attacks sheep but generally avoids human contact.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Richard Pallardy.