shadow – Mar 25, 2007 12:00 AM

Shadow surely takes the lead in communicating for the pack. He is first to sense any external threat, in this week’s photo, he was howling in response to wild wolves that howled from the wooded area behind the enclosure. He postures himself on top of the main rock and faces the direction of the intruders. He is still very social with Maya and Grizzer, if Grizzer allows it, but it is clear his confidence has been decreased this winter. When Grizzer is behind him, he tucks his tail and attempts to whirl around and face him. This causes Grizzer excitement and intensifies the interaction. There have been no physical bites between the males this winter and that’s a good sign. Dominance between wolves can sometimes be more physical. Our hopes are for continued pack compatibility through next winter and the presence of the 2008 pups will bring the focus on the young and not on the weaknesses of the older animals.