Boltz – Looking at Life at the Top

Earlier this winter, we really thought Boltz was showing some behaviors that indicated he could lead this pack, but recently, his confidence has been waning.  It seems like he took a look at life at the top and decided that it was better to be subordinate.  He is socially interactive with the pack, but is quick to show a submissive food-begging posture to Denali after a group howl or when there’s an over-exuberant session of dominance from the maturing yearlings.  He is very timid when trying to get a piece of the weekly deer carcass, especially since Aidan’s confidence has increased.  We just celebrated Boltz’s 6th birthday on March 17th and during his webinar and we discussed Boltz’s phobias of flying insects during the summer and how that timid response is likely going to impact his ability to gain the respect and leadership of the pack.  One of the webinar subscribers asked if Boltz had other winter phobias that were as intense as the insect issues.  My response to that was no, primarily because he might have a focus on things from above such as ravens during the winter, but not enough to go and hide in the woods all day like he does in the summer.  One thing is for certain, each wolf has a personality and has had life experiences that shape their personality.  It is up to wolf care staff to understand and find creative ways to manage their unique personalities as they meld with the pack.  For Boltz, we found that using bacon flavored bubbles is a way to help desensitize him to items floating above his head and we will continue to work with him before the start of the insect season.  If you are interested in honoring Boltz’s birthday or supporting the training and supplies used to care for our wolves, please consider a gift to the Wolf Care Fund.