shadow – Feb 3, 2012 12:00 AM

Of all the wolves on site, Shadow was the most territorial to the howling from the sled dogs. This was easy to predict, as Shadow is still the pack leader no matter where he resides. The behaviors he displayed initially showed some panting, which is usually associated with an increased body temperature and can be stimulated by a stress response. We also saw Shadow posturing towards the back of the enclosure and his low throat howl is also an indication of his message. Shortly after the howling, he did some posturing over Malik and some intense chin rests, but later surveillance video showed them sharing the top of the den. The dogs are back on trail, and the next time they are back at base, Shadow is likely to remind them that he is the pack leader for all canids in the neighborhood.