Exhibit Pack Update – 28 August 2024

As temperatures begin to cool, activity within the Exhibit Pack increases. There have been many notable interactions between Rieka and Grayson that are social in nature: play bowing, invite chasing, inhibited muzzle bites, high tail wags, and overmarking urinations. These interactions can be viewed in the most recent Exhibit Pack Update on YouTube. This trend toward more social interactions rather than rear-grabbing may be an indication to where her alliances might lie this coming winter. However, there is still no guarantee that there will be a pair bond between this dominant female and well-respected male.

Blackstone continues to be regarded as the lowest ranking pack member, oftentimes referred to as the omega. He is typically the focus of any chases (social or otherwise); Rieka and Caz will readily escalate the interaction with displays of dominance if the opportunity presents itself. Some of the interactions will be triggered by food possession or guarding of an object (such as a deer hoof or a really cool stick). If this is the case, there is typically a very loud exchange of growling, snapping, and barking between Blackstone and his brother, Caz. In these instances, there is rarely any dangerous intent; wolves will oftentimes engage in loud, blustering demonstrations of guarding or ritualized dominance. These interactions rarely result in an injury, and are intended to communicate via verbal cues and snapping at the air.

As summer begins to wane and fall blows in, we expect to see ambassador wolf activity continue to increase.

September 6-8th is Harvest Moon Festival in Ely, Minnesota. To celebrate, we will be giving harvest-themed enrichments to our Exhibit Pack each day during the festival. These will include stuffed gourds, cinnamon apples, wild rice brats, apple-liver popsicles, and more! These enrichments will take place at 12pm and 4pm (CDT) each day. Not able to make it in person? No problem! You can watch these enrichments from our live streaming webcams.