The most significant item in the wolf logs this past week is Malik's dominance over Grizzer. When the pups were introduced, the theory is that pups are given a lot of latitude in their behavior because of their pup appearance and the increased level of prolactin hormone produced by the adults. As winter settles in and the pups size increases, the adults are starting to show the pups their place in the rank order. This week's photo shows Grizzer in the middle of a dominance dispute between Shadow and Malik, but he's no longer immune to the rank order behavior of the adults. Grizzer still shows his puppy mentality. On the 4th of December, Grizzer was chewing on tree bark near the den, throwing it up in the air as if he'd made a kill. Later, he and his pup mates watched a visitor through the window and played a game of chase (through the glass) with the visitor's scarf.
Grizzer had some known dental issues coming into the exam and took the longest amount of time for the check. It was determined that his tooth had an abscessed pocket below the gum line which determined that a tooth extraction was necessary. This was a premolar, which doesn't affect his tearing of meat or gnawing on bones like an incisor or molar. The gum was stitched with dis-solvable stitches and he was given a 7 day dose of antibiotics. He had a good meal of bone dust the day after the exams, and dug up a beaver head to gnaw on today. He shows no issues with the tooth removal and it probably feels better.
Grizzer had a long interaction with Oscar today. Of course, it was through the fence, but he rolled around at the fence while Oscar postured and barked. Grizzer just rolled and pawed, then got up and ran and repeated the rolling behavior. This went on for 20 minutes until Oscar grew bored with the interaction. Oscar has been great stimulus and Grizzer always looks for Oscar in the mornings.
Sorry for not posting wolf logs last week. I took the weekend off for a fishing trip with my grandson. I am also preparing for the Working for Wolves program this weekend, we will be making Grizzer a pond and getting some gate systems set up. I won’t have time to process video for Youtube until Sunday night, so thanks for understanding.
The Working for Wolves crew did a fabulous job filling in the concrete for Grizzer's pond. Grizzer actually dug the hole, we hired contractors to shape it and the Working for Wolves crew poured the concrete. There is video of the pond, although with the snow and cold, we haven't had time to fill it. When staff went into Grizzer's enclosure with the smell of pups on their clothes, he began salivating and was very excited. He then rolled over and submitted for the staff. Prolactin hormone is stimulated again. We chose to feature a photo with Grizzer and Nyssa photographed in 2004. Grizzer and Nyssa were not littermates, but interacted very well. Grizzer was 7 days older than Nyssa. We have a very similar situation with Peanut and Bolts.
Grizzer did get his rubbermaid wading pool, but it's not he same as a pond. I have been making measurements to see if we can accommodate a bigger wading pool made of concrete, without compromising his space for running, jumping, digging and overall Grizzer activity. He wasn't much of a swimmer in the main pack, he just liked to splash. I'm certain we can create something that will meet his needs.
Even though the pups did not directly approach Grizzer's enclosure, he patiently waited at the edge of the fence while they interacted with Aidan and Denali. The influence of wolf pups does not have to be direct contact. The smell of pups and formula on the wolf care staff is enough to get Grizzer to roll over and scent roll anywhere the wolf care staff have touched. Grizzer remains extremely calm in this whole transition of pups on site and the flow of people in and out of the lab to care for them.
Grizzer is increasing his howling bouts in frequency and length. He is excited when the pups are out, and while we are still keeping them over by Aidan and Denali, he watches them whenever they leave the lab. He is just starting to shed and will definitely need some brush work in the next few weeks. He was the most stressed by the planes and helicopters during the fire and was excited to get out of holding after the fire suppression efforts worked. Earlier this evening, Grizzer made a soft whine and Oscar pushed the lab door open and went for a visit. We are so fortunate that Grizzer finds comfort in Oscar's visits.
I start the logs with Grizzer, because he's the top of the order in the webpage, not because I favor him (don't tell him that). So, if I only get Grizzer done today, I don't want to think that I'm neglecting the other wolves. I've got a full slate today, so I'll try to get to all wolves. Grizzer lost his canine milk tooth that was behind his permanent tooth. I guess the supply of moose bones from local hunters did the trick. Lately, he's been a bit mouthy with staff when they go into the pen, but a few lip pinches and a roll-over helps calm that behavior. Staff have been working on conditioning the pups to new tools such as window washing pails and squeegees. Grizz has a few soap bubbles to add to his list of things to experience.
Grizzer was observed chewing on the window pane near the gate. Vermilion student worker, Laris Skujins distracted him with a bone, but noticed distinct teeth marks left on the window edge. Grizzer is definitely teething, with staff noticing more biting behavior when going into the pen. It seems to be worse on the days when there's a break in wolf care. On Saturday and Sunday, no staff are schedule to go into the wolf enclosure except to feed when the wolves are locked off. So, Monday morning checks are a bit more excitable with more Grizzer interactions. By mid-week, he settles down and is actually very calm when interacting with staff.
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.