shadow – Dec 3, 2007 12:00 AM

Shadow’s confidence seems to be connected to Maya’s behavior. He is more relaxed and follows the actions of Grizzer and Maya, although, there is still a need for some strong vocalization to keep Grizzer in line. Shadow’s video this week shows some of that assertive behavior. Wolves have extensive vocalization patterns that may sound aggressive, but in fact, this strong communication probably reduces more serious dominance disputes. One of the reasons we chose the den camera as a location is to allow wolf care staff to monitor wolf actions when we are not in the enclosure. We can gleam dominance information by something as simple as who sleeps where. The Den is the highest vantage point in the enclosure and usually this place is reserved for the dominant wolf. Shadow has been taking this spot on a regular basis.