Denali – Seeking the Prime Resting Spot

Denali seemed to take the events surrounding Aidan’s surgery and recovery separation in stride. The only issue was when Grayson tried to keep Denali from reentering the exhibit. There were threat displays, and a brief mounting by Grayson, but they were distracted by deer legs and chickens. Denali did not focus on Aidan, and did not really interact with him. After a few minutes investigating the food, Denali went to the back of the enclosure. Today he has been calm, and resting on the top of the pump housing while it snows.

Axel – Alert and Observant

In recent weeks Axel seems to be more aligned with Boltz and they are keyed in to any perceived weakness that Aidan may show. Staff were watchful of any issues when the arctics rejoined Aidan in the exhibit. But, things were relatively calm. There were deer legs and chickens available, and Axel was more interested in getting the food than in harassing Aidan. After the rest of the pack reunited Axel’s focus remained on the food. At one point he tried to get a cached chicken that Aidan defended. Axel then went to the top of the pump housing to retrieve the deer leg that Aidan had abandoned to protect his cache. Apparently Aidan decided he’d rather have the deer leg so he dug up the chicken and gave it to Axel. They ate side-by-side for several minutes on the pump housing with no issues.

Luna – Double Coat System Protects from Winter Snows

We got our first snow during the week prior to Halloween, and it is still around. The past couple of days saw temperatures plunge to single digits for the first time this fall/winter. Luna’s winter coat is definitely keeping her warm and she is very active. Luna continues to appear to enjoy daily interactions with wolf care staff, and is very social with Grizzer.

Grizzer – Luna’s interactions make him younger

Grizzer and Luna have been extremely social recently. While sometimes he does not appear to be interested in Luna’s antics, more often than not her attempts to get him to chase are successful. Grizzer seems to be enjoying the snow and the cold, and is very active in the retirement enclosures. In addition to chases with Luna he is still observed doing his regular “Grizzer 500s.”

Grayson

Separation for Aidan resulted in Grayson showing dominance over Denali.  Aidan and the arctics were separated from Denali and Boltz by two hours while Aidan recovered from his surgery. Grayson met Denali at the chute and dominated him immediately upon Denali’s entry back into the exhibit. Separation within a wolf pack can create a re-assertion of rank order, and as a young wolf, Grayson is tuned in to opportunities to increase his rank. Grayson continues to periodically give a solo, haunting howl. He seems to do this when he is keyed in to Aidan’s moods and/or stress.

Denali reflecting on some quiet time

Lately Denali has been in some pack dynamics skirmishes with Grayson and Axel. At times, Grayson will test Denali keeping him away from the front of the enclosure. While this testing  is short lived, Denali tends to not allow Grayson eat during the “What’s For Dinner” program. This behavior was witnessed again this past weekend during the Wolf Photography Workshop. As you can see by the photo, Denali does get some quiet time to explore the enclosure and look for squirrels that come eat seeds from the exotic maples in the enclosure. 

Axel jaw sparring with Grayson as Denali looks on

This week’s log was submitted by Wolf Photography Participant – Dana Pond and Bryan Holland

Axel and Denali were the first to feed on the deer carcass Saturday night. Eventually Grayson approached the carcass and fed with Aidan. During the weekend, Axel was an instigator several times doing mounts on Denali. Axel also engaged Grayson in chases and sparring.

Grayson being chased by Axel

This week’s log was submitted by Wolf Photography Weekend Participant – Robert Sole

During the photo weekend, Grayson was the target of chases and aggression from Axel and Denali. On Friday and Saturday, Grayson was defensive as Aidan, for the most part, stayed in the woods. Sunday morning, Axel was chasing Grayson with his tail raised to a T-1 position. Grayson has his tail at a T-3 position and his ears pricked backwards as he is being chased. Sunday morning, Aidan was much more active and moments before the photo was taken, he came to help Grayson and order was restored.  

Boltz getting Axel to submit

This week’s log was submitted by Wolf Photography Weekend Participant Dana Pond and Bryan Holland.

During the “What’s For Dinner” program, we observed Boltz hanging back, not feeding on the carcass. Sunday morning, Boltz appeared to be feeding on the carcass or a cache near the upper pond.

Boltz took a position behind a rock waiting to ambush Axel. As he walked by, Axel immediately submitted to Boltz by rolling onto his back. Shortly after, Grayson was the focus of some aggression by both Boltz and Axel for several minutes. Aiden followed Boltz around for a while until Boltz moved to the upper woods.

Luna and the last of the fall colors

This week’s log was submitted by Wolf Photography Weekend Participants Ken Kaveney, Lynn Kaveney, Anthony Brewer.

Luna was relaxed during the Behind the Scenes program. She seemed content on the top of the den enjoying treats from the curator. Luna continues to engage in social behaviors with Grizzer in the retirement areas.