Luna – Afternoon Rest
Luna and Grizzer have been reaping the benefits of a summer adjacent to the upgraded misting system installed in the Exhibit Pack during the Spring Working for Wolves program. Luna has selected the den site (a fall Working for Wolves program in the pack holding area as her main resting spot on a hot, humid day. Unfortunately for Northern Minnesota, heat and humidity seems to be the common theme this summer. The younger the age and the lighter the coloration of the guard hairs, the less problem with the heat, which means, Axel and Grayson are chasing and wrestling with each other while the rest of the ambassadors are taking it easy. The age and coloration criteria are noticeable when observing Luna; her dark coat is often hot to the touch when she lies in the sun and six is about the age when wolves start displaying a more contemplative look before displaying an action, especially one that requires expending energy. A recent red squirrel visit to the pack holding area was a great demonstration of this age specific phenomena. A red squirrel scaled down the fence into the pack holding area after an active pursuit by Axel and Grayson; Luna watched the approach with intent ears, but the body did not go into motion until the squirrel hit the ground running. As predicted, the squirrel just went back up another tree, habitat is important for all species at the Center. Understanding the dynamics of interspecific interactions (actions between species) is part of our educational mission at the Center. One way we accomplish our mission is through our Wolf Care Webinar Series. Our next webinar in the series is on Friday the 13th. To some people, this day conjures up images of horror movies, unexplained events, and a belief of bad luck. Like Friday the 13th, Center staff hear many superstitious beliefs about wolves that have been perpetuated throughout history. It is our goal to help educate people about the facts about wolf behavior. To join us for this one-hour webinar, register at https://wolf.org/programs/webinars/ where we will broadcast from the retirement areas with Luna and Grizzer in retirement and explore those beliefs and try to uncover the possible wolf behavior that may have contributed to the myth. The program starts at 7 pm Central Daylight Time.
