In preparation for the transition to the new log format, we will be posting a YouTube video on a weekly basis, rather than the 20 second clips linked in the weekly log posting. This format should give a better appreciation for the tone of the pack, rather than the individual wolf. There may be a 1 – 2 day delay in the YouTube video posting after the wolf log postings. Maya has really put on the weight this fall, we are still feeding twice a week as a distraction from the noise, and it definitely shows on the wolves weight. Maya's dominance is probably tied to Shadow's anxiety, and we hope it subsides after October. The roof construction should be done and we go to winter hours, of Friday and Saturday hours of operation after October 1st. This gives Sunday's to be a day with only wolf care staff on site, with the entrance gate locked.
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Denali is definitely maturing into an adult. In previous months, he would be hesitant to join in the pack chases, but in the last few weeks, he's right in the mix, showing no intimidation. He has been increasing his testing of Grizzer, which increases Shadow's dominance over Grizzer as well. It will be interesting to see the rank order outcome of this winter.
Malik had a good week of calm, relaxed behavior, but the change in weather has created some increase in posturing for the pack. Grizzer has been intently eye-staring towards Malik, a definite sign of dominance. While Malik was doing a squat urination, Grizzer rested his chin on Malik during the whole urination, another sign of dominance. This is why we developed the Ethogram, so people can watch these subtle, but critical signs of dominance and hopefully predict when the tension will increase.
Grizzer is having a very active life these days. He still receives dominance from Shadow, reminding him that he is second ranking. Denali is looking for a chance to find his place in the male rank order, and fortunately for Malik, Denali just skipped over him, and is working on Grizzer. Malik sees any time that Grizzer is occupied as a chance to take in a few grab bites, which is usually not a good idea, but at the time, Malik thinks it's a good choice. Even though Grizzer is 129 lbs, he can still move quickly. Last week, staff observed Grizzer doing an interesting body slam to Denali, pushing Denali onto his back. There was no tension in the wrestling, but we think Grizzer is honing his technique for some encounters this winter. Aidan has been actively waiting for Grizzer to get Denali on his back, then comes in and sits on Denali. Video should be posted on You-Tube in the next few days.
Grizzer is still the calm wolf that avoids confrontations, but isn't so calm that he won't respond. Denali has been practicing some ride-up and mounting behaviors on Grizzer, but Grizzer can't show much dominance without Shadow actively making him submit. So, Grizzer takes Denali's attention, tries to run and find a safe place, like the slate den, but overall, puts up with it. Due to Grizzer's increased weight this fall, we have started him on cosequin and durlactin, usually reserved for 6 year old wolves, but necessary in his case. Now that the yearlings have reached full size, we contemplated reducing the feedings back to once a week, which was standard practice for this exhibit, but the calming effect of a mid-week feeding, mixed with the snow and cold temperatures of October have prompted us to continue feeding on Wednesdays. This may change if Shadow and Malik are retired.
Grizzer's interactions with Malik have decreased with the reduced construction noise and traffic. There is much less physical conflict, but the body postures and eye contact still continues. The key to this relationship is how much testing Grizzer receives from Denali, and how much opportunity Malik takes to get a few bites on Grizzer. So far, Malik has reduced his growling and anxious involvement in Grizzer and Denali's interactions, possibly because Denali's testing is getting more serious.
As visitors may witness, Shadow is very shy about feeding in front of the Saturday night public feeding program. It has nothing to do with his dominance or leadership, but everything to do with his shyness towards people. When we feed on Wednesday's, he eats whatever he wants, and caches the rest for later. The combination of dark scats, and caches tells us the pack is getting enough resources. In the latest YouTube video, you will see Shadow cache, then moments later, Denali digs it up, then moments later, Aidan steals it, and that is the photo you see for Aidan.
Grizzer actually did a leap over the leaning tree in the enclosure. To view this amazing leap for a 129 lb wolf, watch the beginning of the YouTube video this week, the clip is brief, when we first started filming, but it's evidence that Grizzer can move when he wants to. Grizzer is definitely a calm personality that would rather avoid conflict, which is good for Malik. But, if Malik pushes the issue, Grizzer will respond.
This week’s logs are written by “Workin’ for Wolves program participants Kim Wheeler, Theresa Williams and Ann Briem Maya seemed relaxed during the Workin’ for Wolves weekend, staying in the woods or laying on the hilltop watching. However, she displayed a fear response to entering the holding area at feeding time Saturday evening. While this has been an issue over the last couple of weeks, the work done within the holding pen may have been a contributing factor. This week’s video shows Maya gnawing on bones from a deer carcass. As you watch the video, notice the strength in her jaws as she crunches through bone. At this week’s “What’s for Dinner program, Maya cached food rather than eating immediately. This morning during wolf care Maya waited to be approached rather than approaching wolf care staff. Of the four wolves in the pack, she seeks human interaction the least. Maya had possession of a bone from last night’s feeding, carrying it around the enclosure. When Maya laid the bone down, Grizzer picked it up. Maya confronted Grizzer, took the bone and gave it to Shadow; an action indicative of her social tie to Shadow. The “Workin’ for Wolves volunteers here both last October and this October found that Maya’s body structure has filled out considerably during that time.
While warm temperatures in the fall are welcome by humans, they are not comfortable for wolves that have grown a full winter coat to withstand subzero temperatures. In this week’s video, you see Grizzer attempting to cool himself through panting. Fortunately, temperatures are returning to normal this week. Highs are forecasted in the 20’s, and nighttime temperatures will be near zero. The cooler weather will increase the wolves appetite as well. Grizzer also gets quite a workout testing Shadow and trying to find a place in the male rank order.
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