Aidan – Resting with EPTS

What is EPTS – in our Ethogram code, EPTS means Ears Pricked and Turned Sideways.  This ear posture is usually an indication of tension in the wolf.  Most people assume the dominant wolf is always in control and has a carefree life, but there is a lot of research that indicates that high-ranking individuals tend to have higher metabolic rates and higher levels of cortisol.  In our captive facility, Aidan is the only individual wolf with an auto-immune disorder.  We have witnessed the impact of aging on our other pack leaders, and some days, Aidan looks much older than Denali.