When it comes to stuffed animals, most children can't be torn away from their cherished teddy bears. And why should they be? After all, teddy bears are as popular today as when they were first created in 1902. Since 1902, however, there is much more variety of stuffed animals to choose from. Despite the teddy's iconic status, it is possible for a child to enjoy and even embrace other kinds of plush toys. Take the wolf, for example. Some wolf plush are incredibly life-like and designed with luxurious, soft fur. Online stores carry just this type of wolf plush they have one that is three feet long and is absolutely gorgeous! It is a must have for anyone that has a penchant for stuffed animals, especially 'wild' ones.
When children learn that dogs are descended from wolves, their interest in wolf plush may peak. Wolves, in fact, are the largest members of the dog family. They are often misunderstood creatures, that have a long history with humans that is antagonistic at best. Gray wolves were all but wiped out in the lower 48 United States, though in recent years, breeding programs and strict laws regarding hunting has helped gray wolf populations bounce back. Unfortunately, gray wolves did not survive in Europe, but they can still be found in Alaska, Canada, and Asia - there are an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 wolves living in Canada alone.
In 1980, wild red wolves in the United Stated became extinct. With a small number of captured red wolves, scientists were able to establish breeding programs and then successfully reintroduced the animals in North Carolina. Today, red wolves are living in the southeastern U.S. with just 100 of them left in the wild.
Wolves live in families called packs that consist of a male, a female, and their pups which were born several years earlier. Wolf plush may further interest a child when they learn about the wolves social structure; they may be able to relate wolves back to their own family (father, mother, siblings). Wolves can have up to six pups (called litter mates) born in a litter. They are born with their eyes closed and weigh just one pound. After about 14 days, the pups open their eyes. By the time they are three weeks of age, they start on a diet of meat like their parents. Like most human families, all members of a wolf pack take turns caring for the pups; they will bring back food to the mother so she doesn't have to leave the pups; they will also babysit and play with them.
A child can learn a great deal about wolf plush by learning more about the animal they were designed for. Like all stuffed animals, a child knows that they are more than just a soft toy but companions and lifelong friends that both comfort them and join in their greatest adventures.
Angeline Hope is a collector of big plush toy animals. You can view a selection of big plush toys including wolf plush toys at MyBigPlush.
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