shadow – Jul 29, 2002 12:00 AM

Note to Public: Shadow's behavior and his attempt to intimidate MacKenzie is natural wolf behavior. Lower status members often look for opportunities to move up in the pack structure especially if the higher ranking pack members show weakness with age. In the wild, this behavior serves to keep the pack healthy and strong, under good leadership. The issue facing the International Wolf Center staff is how to manage this normal wolf behavior in a captive environment. The management of the captive wolf pack includes making decisions in the best interest of the pack, as well as the individual wolf. There is a fine balance to be maintained.