Boltz – Alert and Relaxed

In previous logs, we have referenced the importance of body postures to indicate a wolf’s attitude.  We are particularly interested when these body postures represent an alert and focused lower ranking wolf.  Boltz will be turning 4 years of age in March and so far, he has been somewhat reserved when posturing for status.  This doesn’t mean that he isn’t always watching for opportunities and can take advantage of another vulnerable wolf, but at this point, his timid personality trait prevails.  Of course as a science driven organization, we are always interested in the nature versus nurture debate.  We know that wolves respond differently to changes in their environment.  When the construction of the new Wolf Care Center started, the dominant wolves seemed to be more anxious about the work than the lower ranking wolves.  In this photo, Boltz is alert to the activity displaying ears pricked forward, but the tail is in a T-3 or relaxed position.  Maybe if you’re at the bottom of the pack order, there isn’t much concern about external distractions, but when your at the to top, it’s just one more thing to test your position.