There's some great still images captured from the Webcam of Grizzer sliding down the den hill. We would like to thank Walter Loesberg for sending these images. We know from daily wolf care that Grizzer is feeling better and his attitude is good, but when a wolf chooses to go sliding, that's a sign of a calm and relaxed wolf having a good time. His stitches are starting to dissolve and he has been scratching at the wound, but the healing process is well on its' way. Maya continues to groom his head, and Grizzer has a look of complete and utter satisfaction during the grooming process. This grooming behavior has actually increased Maya and Grizzer's bonding behavior, and the photo this week shows a pair bond in action.
As we reported in Denali's log, last Saturday there was a dominance interaction between Grizzer and Denali that required some restitching of Grizzer's wound. The colder weather will make it more challenging to heal, so we are going to hold Denali until Grizzer's head is completely healed. It is important to note the Grizzer needs to be in the pack to maintain his status. If we were to take him out to heal, Denali would clearly take over the pack leader role and possibly not allow Grizzer back in. Grizzer is more likely to allow Denali back into the pack, and Denali's submission through the fence is important.
Grizzer has noticeably lost weight this winter, in comparison with previous winters. This is probably attributed to his active social interactions with the pups, and the following and chase behavior displayed between he and Malik. Grizzer continues to be calm when working with staff, only reacting when Denali makes a few testing behaviors towards individuals.
Grizzer and Maya turned 5 years old on May 5th, and in honor of their birth, they were vaccinated for Parvo and Rabies. Grizzer does extremely well with veterinary care and that's a good thing with a 121 lb. wolf. As you can see from the video, Grizzer still maintains a submissive posture to Shadow, there are no indications that he's testing Shadow in any way. Grizzer also still remains very bonded to the yearlings, with both Aidan and Denali spending time watching and interacting.
Grizzer has been following Denali's lead in testing, which is a handful for staff. When Denali attempts to jump, we have noticed Grizzer watching and sometimes attempting to join Denali on this unwanted behavior. Staff are expected to be able to identify behavioral signs that suggest the energy level in the pack is getting excitable. Fortunately, Grizzer is quick to calm down.
The wolf logs will all be the same today, due to weather priorities… Yes, the weather plays a big part in what we do in wolf care and defines the hazards of the job. Today, we have freezing rain, which creates a hazard for wolf care staff and wolves alike. Staff are very vulnerable in slippery conditions, if a wolf jumps on us, and we fall, this can easily turn in to test. For the wolves, the icy conditions can mean a joint injury. Our job today is to keep the pack calm, and check everyone’s physical condition thoroughly. The wolves are using the dens and there is straw placed under the eaves to get out of the rain. In the videos this week, you will see the pond frozen from snowmelt conditions. Aidan does a stiff leg jump to crack the ice, and Denali comes up with an ice chunk to investigate. Shadow continues to show his leadership as he dominates Grizzer, but Grizzer is showing very submissive postures and is seeking Shadow’s dominance. Grizzer still socially interacts with the pups; Malik still follows Grizzer around looking for any opportunity to get a grab bite on Grizzer. Maya is still stalking and making Aidan nervous, but not as problematic as a month ago. All in all, the pack is well; the only other risk that we are dealing with today is the weight of the ice on tree branches that is starting to make branches break.
Yes, you read the weight correctly.. 121.25 lbs of fairly calm wolf.. I say fairly calm, because recently Grizzer has started a bit of the old testing behavior towards the curator. It was probably some redirected aggression from external stress around the enclosure. A film crew was on site, which never pleases Grizzer, then a wild wolf has been sighted several times by the retired enclosure. Add a 50 foot tall crane, and even the calmest wolf needs to look for a stress outlet.
Vermilion Community College students assisted with the straw removal, pond cleaning and trenching of the den site, in an effort to help drain an excessive amount of spring snow melt. The students did an excellent job in rainy, cool conditions, while the wolves stayed in retirement eating 3 beaver, and frequently checking on the progress. Upon returning to the enclosure, the pack did a lot of scent rolling in areas where pond water was bailed from the upper pond. Grizzer is most stimulated by the cedar wood chips that are placed in the enclosure after the straw removal. The Cedar is a natural bug repellent, and it does stimulate the wolves to scent roll. Both den sites are covered with the chips, and this is a favorite resting spot for Grizzer. Grizzer's video this week still shows a bit of following behavior toward Malik.
Grizzer is still very social with the pups, spending a significant amount of time interacting, usually with Grizzer on his back allowing the pups to climb on him. The warmer temperatures of spring are arriving this week, and this means very calm wolves. Grizzer's preference is for the top of the new slate den, but during a recent storm, Grizzer, Aidan and Denali all chose to lay inside the new den. The den was designed for two wolves comfortably, but we're glad to know that it can hold the three of them.
Grizzer seems to be increasing his use of tail postures and body language to show dominance, but he lacks the follow through and assertiveness that Shadow displayed in the years he was a pack leader. Grizzer had increased his activity at the main Saturday night feedings, taking possession of the carcass and keeping Aidan and Denali at bay. Of course, Denali has been possessing carcasses since he was a pup, so this change is adding to Denali's anxiety. We started a supplemental Wednesday feeding, mainly as a distraction, but also to ensure that each wolf gets a chance to satiate each week. Denali had no problem taking control of the smaller feedings because Grizzer was full from the weekend.
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