Dark wolves

In most ways, the dire wolf (S. "gothraug"; Q. "narmosse"; pl. "narmossi") resembles its smaller cousin, the common timber wolf. Found all over northern Middle-earth, they are intelligent, social animals that live in family groups or small packs (2-11 and 10-60 members, respectively). Dire wolves mate for life, settle disputes among themselves with non-fatal duels, and cooperate among themselves in hunting. However, unlike common wolves, they have little or no fear of the Free Peoples. They will hunt Men, Elves, or Dwarves like any other prey.

Dire wolves weigh up to one hundred and fifty pounds, reach running speeds of up to thirty miles per hour, and leap up to six feet in the air with little effort. Possessed of tremendous nightvision, they are more nocturnal than their smaller kin.