grizzer – Mar 5, 2008 12:00 AM

Sorry for the delay in logs this week, Curator Lori Schmidt taught a Moose Ecology course this weekend and the Sunday night log development was replaced with some well-needed rest. The wolves are doing well, although staff have noted a peak in dominance hierarchy between the male rank order in the Exhibit Pack. Grizzer continues to maintain a strong presence around Malik, which makes Malik nervous, resulting in intense growling, threat displays and a noisy exhibit. This behavior coincides with the wild wolf breeding season. One of the VCC moose ecology students noted paired scent marking on the Birch Lake Campground road with estrus blood in the female urine. This is a critical time for dominant wolves in the wild, as they pair mark to defend their territory. I would also like to make a note to the Nannies selected for this year’s pups. We are still juggling teams, and once the teams are set, we will send out a briefing packet to each team member (probably by email), so teams can have some opportunity to converse prior to arrival and possibly offer to carpool to Ely.