Shadow has been starting many howling bouts lately. We're not always sure of the stimulus, but he seems to take the lead on the top of the hill staring off in a distance beyond the enclosure walls. As I'm typing this, he started the third round of howling today.
Often visitors ask how to tell Shadow and Malik apart, since they look so much alike. In this photo, you can see Shadow's more rounded eyes (vs. Malik's more almond-shaped eyes), the slightly darker coloration on his face, and the absence of the cowlick between the eyes that Malik has. At times, it is hard to tell them apart from a distance.
Chris Williams, Center Intern, observed Shadow in a some great defensive behavior on the deer carcass during and after this week's feeding program. This is good news since he generally avoids the program due to large crowds. Shadow's been much more social with Maya lately and overall seems to be in a great mood, with the exception of the response to the ski meet the other day (see Grizzer's log). He strongly maintains the pack leader position and has been very easy for wolf care staff to work with. He's even been assisting with Grizzer's behavioral modification lesson's when Grizzer decides to sneak up on the camera operator. Shadow is very alert to the activities of the other wolves.
Shadow is doing well and has been observed in more play behavior than in previous weeks. One of the noteworthy events during the wolf checks is the morning swim. While all the wolves go in and out of the water, Shadow is the one that appears to swim the most. He frequently goes to the Center of the pond and appears to just float in the water, then runs out of the pond, shaking the water off as he runs up the hill. He has had a bit of shyness toward the feeding programs lately and the large crowds. Three mornings last week, he was served a special meal while the other wolves were locked in holding. He seemed to enjoy the special treatment. Maybe, it's the recognition this dominant wolf needs after dealing with a busy summer of strangers at the window.
Shadow is having a great fall. He appears to be over the ear mite problem that caused him so much grief last fall. He's very social with Maya and Grizzer, often initiating play behavior. It's always good to see Shadow in a relaxed mode, as the dominant pack member, his tone will set the tone for the pack. Shadow still has an issue with the feeding program, he doesn't like to eat in front of crowds. Lately, he's been getting special feedings the day after the program, with the other wolves locked in holding. This special attention seems to improve his confidence and demeanor.
Shadow's ear mite problem is back and requires additional treatment. We think we have it taken care of, but time will tell. We're not sure why the arctics are so prone to this problem, and not the other subspecies. It may be the shorter more rounded ears, or the increased thickness of the hair, but for whatever reason, they're the only ones who have this problem. Shadow is less than thrilled with staff doing the treatments, and we worry about his vulnerability by his timid behavior. We've observed Malik watching the treatment and coming in for quick bites while Shadow is distracted. Malik gets treatments as well, but it's not as stressful for him as it is to Shadow. Friday was the last treatment, we hope to have solved this problem, and plan to do a few things to make Shadow feel good about staff again.
Shadow has been displaying a very confident demeanor with some very strong leadership behavior. He's still a bit timid of the public feeding programs, but special efforts to make sure he has his fair share of food have had a secondary benefit, Shadow seems to gain more confidence with this extra care. His confidence may be what's causing Malik to back down a bit. Whatever the reason, things are very calm and social on the exhibit.
As winter approaches, the dominance interactions between the wolves are increasing. Shadow still maintains his status as alpha male, while Maya is the alpha female by default, as she is the only female in the pack. The bond between Shadow and Maya can been seen in their social interactions; they are often in close proximity to each other. Shadow has recently been observed keeping himself in between Malik and Maya.
Wolves communicate in a variety of ways, but the most impressive is the use of facial expressions. In this week’s photo, Shadow shows a full threat display as Grizzer approaches. His intent is to tell Grizzer to back off before any physical contact is made. This type of developed communication also helps to maintain rank order within a pack. In this week’s video, Shadow shows his tolerance of Grizzer’s antics on the rock, with a short clip showing Grizzer’s mobility. Shadow demonstrates an RLU on the straw beds followed by a scratch of the straw to spread his scent as a dominant animal.
This week has been a busy one for the wolf care staff with the ethology class, hence the delay in updating the wolf logs. Shadow continues to show bark-howling when program participants are in the wolf yard, adjacent to the enclosure. Bark-howling is a behavior that wolves display when they are intimidated or feel threatened. Bark-howling is a combination of a bark followed by howling, or vice versa. Shadow continues to be the alpha male of the pack and is closely aware of the activity of other members in his pack.
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