long, thick, water-resistant outer coat and a dense, insulating undercoat. Most gray wolves' coats are flecked in black and yellow. Variations include pure white, blond, cinnamon, brown and solid black. The fur on the wolf's back and sides reaches 2 1/2 inches in length, and its mane grows up to 6 inches. The mane is attached to erector pili muscles that force the hairs to stand on end, making the gray wolf appear larger than it is.