If there was ever a doubt that Shadow was in charge of this pack, the staff that witnessed this morning's wolf care can vouch for the status of this animal. Not only did he handle Grizzer's test with ease, he asserted status and gained control over Malik with a glance of the eye, while Grizzer was still pawing at his head. The classic photo from this morning is his passive dominance over Maya who, after a direct stare from Shadow, actively licked his face, then, dropped to the ground in full submission, while pawing him in the face.
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You may have noticed some anxious wolf behavior on the web cams last Thursday morning. There was a cross-country ski meet at Hidden Valley Ski area about 1/2 mile from the Center and the combination of 80+ high school skiers and megaphones caused a bit of nervous behavior in the wolves. They could hear the noise coming from behind the enclosure, but couldn't see it, leaving them a bit anxious. Everyone settled down after the meet, but it's a good reminder of the importance of conditioning the wolves to a variety of environmental stimuli. Grizzer showed some anxiety along with Shadow and Malik, Maya remained the most calm during the event.
During the medical exam for the arctics, the retired wolves watched intently on the action, MacKenzie was probably glad it wasn't her. Sorry, no photos, we were focused on the main pack today.
Groan has been grabbing Nubee's neck and shaking it. She continues to dominate Grizz & Nubee. Groan continues to exhibit her explorative nature during programs, looking to get out of the pup pen and explore.
Groan is 33 days old today. She has an excellent response to the educational program inside the building. All pups were very keyed in to the Beaver feet provided by staff. As usual, Groan took possession of her stuffed dog toy and paraded around the pen.
With the addition of fish oil to Maya's daily regimen of vitamins, her coat seems to be improving. Staff have also been giving the wolves "fishcicles" (translation=frozen fish filets), which Maya seems to thoroughly enjoy. The wolves get a variety of food treats, both as enrichment and incentives, particularly when one of them is reluctant to go into the holding pen during feeding or enclosure maintenance times. During a recent Workin' For Wolves program, treats were placed in various parts of the enclosure for the wolves to find when released from the holding pen. Maya tends to be the best at finding the items, even when they are well-hidden.
Thanks to the concerned caller last week about MacKenzie. When she's not on the camera, it generally means she's lying in her bed in the corner of the enclosure. She's doing well and enjoyed some personal attention from wolf care staff today. The wolves are checked every morning by the staff people entering the building around 7:30 or 8 am, in addition to the wolf care staff that enter the enclosure for daily checks (usually at 8 am, but may vary depending upon the day). The Retired Pack's enclosure is located right outside the wolf lab, so even if you don't see someone in the enclosure on the webcam, we are still around the lab and the wolf yard to make sure everyone is up and active.
Grizzer has been very calm lately. He must be getting used to the camera operator, we haven't had an incident of him sneaking up from behind to get a grab bite in on the photographer. We have noticed Grizzer's continued shy behavior towards strangers, he must be picking up his cues from Shadow. In this week's photo, a group of students arrived in a bus causing Grizzer to turn into a parking lot watcher.
One of Maya's activities includes a game of chase through the den. It usually involves Grizzer. She's very skilled at stalking, pouncing and jumping onto Grizzer when he exits the den. To those folks who participated in the Working for Wolves weekend last October and constructed the landscaping wall behind the den, you work was a success. The den wall is holding up well, the red pine logs stayed in place, and it's done a wonderful job of keeping snow out of the den. The wolves enjoy climbing on the structure as well.
Malik is still attempting to gain back status anytime he gets an opportunity. It's actually been pretty quiet on the exhibit lately, they must have worked a few things out. Malik still has an issue with dogs on site, whenever the boss's dog is in the lab, Malik becomes a bit obsessed. The territorial response of wolves is one of those behaviors that is hard to stop. In the wild, it's necessary to ensure the pack guards it's resources and offspring.
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