The wolf logs will contain the same text for each wolf, as snow conditions again dominate the staff's work load. The most noticeable snow issue was a recent clearing of the snow from the Center's roof. With over 2 feet of snow on the roof, and the predicted forecast of rain adding to the weight of the snow, the decision was made to shovel all the snow from the roof, which lands directly into the wolf enclosure. To avoid giving the wolves free access to the roof, the snow had to be blown out of the front of the enclosure, resulting in a large bank in the front of the exhibit, that is at least 8 feet from the roof line. You may have noticed increased activity in front of the pond cam, as the wolves have been very actively climbing and digging in the snow bank. The wolves have also been observed sliding down the snow bank, and pushing each other off the top of the hill. It is a great vantage point and wolves do enjoy the view from the top of the hill.
This past week, the curator was out of town attending conferences for the HP grant and the Society of American Foresters. While we manage with a style of multiple wolf care staff, the change in routine can have an impact on the wolves. To distract the pack from this change, items are given to provide them a behavioral outlet. Last week, a bison hide that was donated from a hunter was given to the pack on Monday. This provided a significant amount of behavior including tug of war, guarding behavior, active submission and dominance and overall excitement. Grizzer was not as actively involved with dominating the hide as he was observing Malik's intense possession. This week's photo posted for Malik and Grizzer shows this expression. Grizzer has remained calm this winter and despite a few dominance scuffles with Malik, his overall nature is very relaxed. The full video clip of the bison hide will be included with the YouTube video this week.
The wolves are all doing well, and the wolf care staff certainly are appreciative of all the support from members and viewers of the wolf logs. As always, the wolf care staff will be doing wolf care throughout the holidays and people can rest assured that the wolves and wolf care will always main our first priority at the International Wolf Center. Have a great holiday season, and check out the Youtube video, it shows the pack in good spirits, especially Grizzer and Denali who have become great pals. Malik is joining in on pack howls, and has adjusted well to life in retirement.
Grizzer turned 8 years old on Saturday. He had a double order of beaver for his birthday and spent time with staff. The pond is used on a regular basis, and will be a welcome relief with the summer temperatures. Grizzer will get additional stimulus this summer when the pups utilize the smaller portion of his enclosure. During this time, Grizzer will stay in the new habitat area, while the pups interact for a few hours at a time. After the pups leave the area, Grizzer will be allowed back, and will have a significant amount of pups smells to investigate.
Grizzer is very excited when the pups are let out of the lab. At this time, we have gated off Grizzer's side so the pups stay near Aidan and Denali. As the pups get larger, they will have access to the entire yard similar to Oscar's territory. On several days a week, Grizzer will be locked into his new habitat, and the pups will have his area for social activity. When the pups are done playing for the afternoon, Grizzer will have great stimulus sniffing the pup trails. We are sure to get many more howling sessions from Grizzer with this type of stimuli. There's a good clip of some of this howling in the Youtube footage this week.
It is hard to believe that a little over a week ago we were in fire evacuation mode, and since last weekend, we've had some torrential rains. The summer season is starting off as odd as the winter season. Grizzer spends most of his days seeking refuge from the rain in the thick balsam cover of the front enclosure, so his appearances on the webcam may be less frequent. Most wolf care staff comment on the amount of time Grizzer spends sniffing clothing and rolling in a submissive posture. He's starting to shed and staff will start brushing him on a daily basis.
Yes, we have another photo of Grizzer submitting to wolf care staff. This is the pattern of wolf checks these days. Bolts found an opening in the fence and went over to greet Grizzer. This seemed to increase Grizzer's submissive behavior. We have since fixed the gate system, because we don't want Bolt's to get confused on who are his pack mates. We want the strongest bond to be with Aidan and Denali.
I came on on Monday after taking the weekend off and Grizzer was well on his way to shedding. When I brushed him, the undercoat come out in 8 inch sheets. It would be ideal for spinning. We usually save the wolf undercoat and make items from the fur. In the past, we've made things bracelets, but there may be a larger weaving project in my future (spare time? not likely this summer. Grizzer continues to stimulate howling responses from the adults to the pups.
Grizzer's abscess has drained, and there appears to be no more issues. It's hard to say what caused it, it could have been a poke from a branch or it may have been a bug bite (more likely considering the bugs). We never saw signs of a real wound, but the lump is gone and he has no sensitivity to the area. In the upcoming weeks, if Luna gets her release from the surgeon's to have more activity, we plan on moving Grizzer back into his new habitat and let the pups interact in the pack holding area (the front part of Grizzer's enclosure). This will only occur for a few hours a day, but it's critical that the pups know this area well, as this is the site for the introduction to Aidan and Denali. We have already done a session with Oscar in this area while we were cleaning Grizzer's pond, Grizzer was very excited to come back in and sniff the areas where Oscar cached. We expect he'll have the same stimulus with the pups.
Grizzer really likes the social interactions with Oscar (and another dog today, Tina) through the protective panels. If you have a chance to watch this week's Youtube, the end clip shows him giving a direct eye stare to Tina because she is relatively new to the wolf yard (an Oscar playmate who visits sometimes), but eventually, he gives in and rolls over for her. If I replayed the video from 2008, you would see the same behavior towards Aidan and Denali as pups. Now, why won't he do that for Malik? His posture towards Malik is high tail, direct eye stare and not trustworthy, which is why we have 2 retirement enclosures.
The International Wolf Center advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human role in their future.