lakota – Feb 13, 2002 12:00 AM

For whatever reason, Lakota chose to come to the front of the enclosure while the pack was sleeping in the mid-day sun. Her sudden appearance in an area that was usually restrictive for her caused the yearlings to get excited. The yearlings mobbed her in the front of the building and chased her back up to the top den. There's a real cycle of behavior that's hard to break. The more submissive and vulnerable she looks, the more the yearlings show an interest in dominating her and the more mobbings, the more submissive and vulnerable she looks. A previously scheduled Vet meeting on February 14th will allow for complete discussion of the current situation and future management plans. Curator's Note: I have been getting emails about the yearling's relationship with Lakota. I think it's important that the current behavioral situation be put into perspective.