We continue to see increased social behavior between Rieka and Grayson, both wolves communicating with invite chases, high tail wags, and muzzle licks. We also often hear quite a bit of vocal communication between yearling littermates, Caz and Blackstone. While this may sound noisy at times, it’s important to remember that vocalizations such as growling do not inherently signify aggression or violence. Canids may growl as a sign for another wolf to back off and is often used to set boundaries between individuals. It is a useful tool in canid communication (especially during ritualized dominance) and may even prevent larger conflict in the long run.
A common theme we try to emphasize is that there are no bad or good behaviors; they are simply wolves being wolves.
We have also had some recent enclosure additions and updates for the Exhibit Pack. Two additional cameras have been added to our surveillance system, allowing for us to better monitor our wolf ambassadors and the facility grounds. Our cameras on Explore.org have also been serviced; the North Cam now has sound again and the South Cam has been replaced with a newer camera. Some rock work was done to the back den to prevent flooding next spring. Rock steps were added by the Boltz Byway medical pen to provide an easier way for wolves to enter and exit the kennel space.