Yes, wolves can be considered scavengers, but they are primarily known as hunters. While they mostly hunt live prey, they will scavenge when the opportunity arises.
Wolves are opportunistic feeders, meaning they adapt their diet based on what is available. This behavior can include eating carrion, which is the remains of dead animals. Scavenging allows wolves to take advantage of food sources that are already available, especially in harsh environments where hunting successful prey can be challenging.
During winter, when food is scarce, wolves often rely on scavenging more than during other seasons. They will eat carcasses left behind by other predators or animals that have died from natural causes. This scavenging behavior not only helps sustain the wolves but also plays an important role in the ecosystem by helping to clean up dead animals.
In conclusion, while wolves do hunt for their food, their scavenging habits are a key part of their survival strategy, showcasing their adaptability in the wild.