Wolves typically go into heat once a year, usually during the late winter or early spring months. In most regions, this period occurs between January and March. Female wolves, also known as she-wolves, are only in estrus, or heat, for about 5 to 14 days. This is the time when they are fertile and can conceive if they mate with a male wolf.
The timing of this cycle is crucial for the survival of wolf pups. By mating in early spring, the pups are born in late spring to early summer when food and resources are more abundant, giving them a better chance of survival. During this heat period, males in the pack or nearby will often compete for the attention of the female, displaying various behaviors to assert dominance and attract her.