shadow – Jun 2, 2000 12:00 AM

June 5, 2000 Both of the pups tipped the scales at over 6 pounds at the vet on June 5. The blue-collared wolf pup is 6.4 pounds and the red one is catching up at 6.1 pounds. The two pups spent part of the morning outside discovering that insects are fun to chase and pounce. This is typical of what wild pups would be doing outside their den while the adults are hunting or sleeping near the den. The red-collared pup growled at the blue one when he tried to take away his bug catch. The pouncing is a method they will use to catch rodents which are a minor part of their diet, but the behavior can be quite comical. Both of their tails are raised quite high when they are playing with each other. Tail raising is important body language for wolves as it indicates who is the alpha or leader. The pups are trying to assert leadership among themselves. They are quite alert and are increasing their whines to go outside.