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 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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This week’s log was submitted by Wolf Photography Weekend Participants – Ken Kaveney, Lynn Kaveney and Anthony Brewer.
Grizzer was wary of the group of unknown visitors, moving at all times, circling Luna on the main retirement den. He continued walking “the Grizzer 500” the entire time, coming up to the gate just to check out these new observers.
This week’s log was submitted by Wolf Photography Weekend Participants – Jim and Lexy Hilton
Aidan’s (center) last hurrah? Planning for his retirement party…or his last fight? The oddsmakers are busy. Bets are being placed. Will Aidan’s brother, Denali (top right), step out with Aidan or stay behind and take charge in his absence? Or will the newcomer and youngster, Axel (bottom center), with the support of his younger and more aloof brother, Grayson (top left), be next in line over Boltz (middle right) who is four years their senior and more of a lone wolf?
With the growth of the 2016 pups comes an inevitable shift of dominance within the pack. However, Aidan isn’t quite ready to call it quits. Here he is in his glory, diligently dispersing quarrels and keeping everyone in line. It is a rare moment when the dominant male can have a lengthy moment of peace.
