shadow – May 18, 2008 12:00 AM

Since the pups were first introduced to the Exhibit Pack through the fence, Shadow has had many behavioral responses. He has used direct eye contact and growled to wolf care staff holding the pups; this is an indication of possessive behavior, and threatening behavior. He has also bark-howled at unfamiliar people in the wolf yard. This is an alarm or warning vocalization telling someone to get out of the territory, in this case, the wolf yard. He has a high pitch whine nearly matching Maya in intensity when the pups arrive. He is salivating when the pups are present, including excessive licking toward the pups and at the corner of his mouth. This may be an indication of a hormonal response. He is very social with wolves and wolf care staff alike that enter the enclosure, this makes wolf care very relaxed, as the dominant male, Shadow’s behavior and energy can impact how the rest of the pack interacts. Shadow and Maya are critical in this pup introduction.