What is an ethogram?
An ethogram is a catalog of behaviors exhibited by a species and used to record behavior in a systematic way. It is a vital tool in studying animal behavior.
The International Wolf Center ethogram is categorized into five main interactions based on wolf behaviors. They are: Dominance, Food or Predation, Social, Investigatory, and Rest. Below is an definition of each category.
While behaviors may occur in more than one category, this list is a broad generalization of the most represented categories related to the behavioral code. When a behavior is represented in more than one category, it is important to review the context in which the behavior occurred.
As you watch the live cams, you may see certain behaviors more frequently. The 20 most commonly seen behaviors are marked with an asterisk.
Download our ethogram worksheets and practice tracking wolf behaviors while viewing the Live Wolf Cams
Portrait Wolf Ethogram Worksheet | Landscape Wolf Ethogram Worksheet
Select a Group of Behavior Cards:
The behavior cards are listed in alphabetical order on four pages. Select a group button above to see the individual cards. Each behavior card includes a photo demonstrating the behavior and the name of the behavior, as well as the code or abbreviation on the front. Hover your mouse over the picture to “flip” the card to see the back and learn about the behavior category and behavior definition.
Dominance
Ignore (IG): To refuse to notice or pay attention to the actions of other wolves.
There are 3 main types of dominance and behaviors may express the animals’ capability of resisting aggression [as in: part of Ritualized Dominance, Aggression, Attack] and thus protect oneself or may express an individual’s active role in asserting dominance. Defense/Submission is a subset of dominance and relates to the ear, tail, facial expressions and body postures which all may change quickly. Vocalizations such as growling, barking or defensive howling behavior may be included in dominance.
- Ritualized Dominance – Behavior that an animal with a higher status/rank conveys through an inhibited form of aggression. The resulting social stability facilitates subsequent cooperation between group members (because lower ranked animals will not incur the high costs of challenging more dominant animals, although testing will occur). Wolves may be defensive/submissive/antagonistic.
- Aggression – Behavior aimed at intensifying ritualized dominance for a more serious expression of the situation, or to cause psychological impact, or physical distraction. Direct physical aggression, in addition to vocal and indirect aggression, such as eye stare, is more common.
- Attack – Behavior aimed at taking the initiative in using force against another animal in order to harm, and possibly kill, that animal. This is a rare event and typically occurs with the following five specific behaviors in order: Grab, Bite, Head Shake, Pin, and Drag.
Food/Predatory
Mouth (MO): To put and hold something in the mouth, changing the grip repeatedly.
There are three main aspects related to the acquisition of prey through hunting, the feeding on prey as an pack, and the defending or caching prey resources.
- Predatory – Behaviors associated with wild wolf way of life in which food is obtained by the killing and consuming of prey-animals. In captivity, predatory behavior can be displayed towards small animals or are a component of aggression. Some behavioral codes associated with predatory can be displayed in aggression, if so, it signifies a heightened psychological state driven by the predatory instinct. Examples may include head-shaking, tug-o-war, etc.
- Food-Related Consumption – Behavior associated with nourishment [including water].
- Threat – Behavior indicating defensive space around a food resource or imminent threat in response to other individual wolves approach that may lead to caching food resources.
Social
Howl, Chorus (HC): Three or more wolves howling together.
We categorize greeting and grooming as social interactions. When wolves meet each other and react in a specified manner, which appears to show a general interest in the interaction. Grooming behavior may start as individualistic, but often wolves may give care or solicit care from a packmate. Whining and howling are the most common vocalizations associated with social behavior.
- Greet – social expression, tail wag, facial contact, inhibited bite or soft muzzle bite, and rub on behaviors are common.
- Groom/Care – To remove dirt and parasites from the skin or fur (of another animal). Giving or soliciting care.
Investigatory
Lick (LK): To pass the tongue across the surface of something; used for individual and social grooming, greeting and food begging.
Wolves’ survival is enhanced by investigating the scents, sights and sounds of prey within their habitat. They also identify competitors and defend territories through the use of scent marking. A lone howl, not of defense, but more of a mid-toned searching howl may also be in this category.
- Scent/Mark/Elimination – Behavior where a distinctive odor is deposited by an animal on the ground or other surface, as by urinating, which functions as an identifying signal to other animals and usually associated with marking after investigating a spot. May include scraping the ground after defecation or urination. Not to be confused by expelling feces or urination for the purpose of elimination, specifically after an individual wakes up.
- Behavior related to observing (by close examination or systematic inquiry) the environment, sniffing, digging, licking, walking with head to ground etc.
Rest
Inguinal Presentation (IP): To expose the groin area to another wolf or to a human. This submissive posture may be done while standing but is more often done while lying down or rolling onto the back.
Behavior of sleep or repose for a period of time, including getting up and extending oneself, association with pack members and position of rest.
- Type of Rest – Rest back, side, curl, sphynx, sphynx sprawled; different rest method indicate an individual’s comfort level.
- Distance between wolves can indicate social bond, specifically during the winter months when dominant pairs may have a closer sleeping association.
- Pack cohesiveness can be evaluated based on comfort of a wolf with another wolf approaching. When resting, does an individual stay or leave when another wolf approaches? This can provide insight into pack dynamics and social alliances.
This ethogram has been adapted from an ethogram at Wolf Park and expanded by the Wolf Care and Science Team at the International Wolf Center.
