malik – Jan 2, 2006 12:00 AM

Malik is doing well, still trying to act dominant with Shadow and still getting chased up the hill by Shadow and Grizzer. Interactions have been much calmer than previously anticipated, most likely due to the warm weather. There is one winter issue that is on the minds of wolf care staff. Shadow seems to take on a much more defensive almost fear based behavior during winter time Behind the Scenes programs, bark howling with a tucked tail. While many program participants have observed this during the summer, he is much more stressed by groups in winter. Staff are very cautious about the impact of these groups on the dynamics of the pack. When Shadow shows this defensive and sometimes fearful posture, Malik immediately responds with a high tail and aggressive move to take advantage of Shadow's vulnerability. We certainly don't want a status change in rank order due to Behind the Scenes groups. Staff monitor Shadow's response closely and make the decision if a group stays or goes.