Pups at One Year participants were asked to describe each wolf and their behavior that they observed during their weekend at the Center. Shadow is described as an intense, strong and protective leader. Maya and Grizzer often look to Shadow for behavior, such as, when Shadow starts to get stressed the pups react to that and will run to him. After the enclosure enrichment projects were completed Shadow investigated them and then took the time to mark the newly planted trees. In this weeks picture he is seen scent marking.
Shadow is doing very well and is in a great mood most days. He's the first to greet staff, he's shown some very excitable "play" behavior with deer hides, bones and the rest of the pack. His ears seem to be fine (previous mite issue) and he's very confident in his abilities as demonstrated by this week's RLU photo.
The isolation of pups in small holding kennel for daily feedings has been successful. The pups are becoming conditioned to the routine and run to the gate when a handler approaches the kennel. The adult wolves attempt to enter the kennel with the pups, but fortunately, the pups are small enough where they can squeeze under a 1/2 opened gate and the adults can't. The hope is that the time the pups become too big to fit under a half open door, the adults will be familiar with the routine of pups-only isolation. There have been no negative affects associated with the pups removal and subsequent return to the main enclosure. Feeding and socialization time for the pups can last anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour with no significant interaction from the adults. During these first few weeks of the introduction, Malik seems most interested in returning to the pack, whereas Shadow would rather stay with the human handlers in the holding pen. Pup food consumption ranges from 1-2 lbs. of meat per feeding and the pups are fed twice a day. Malik and Shadow eat equally as well and food is split into two bowls to ensure sufficient amount for both.
Shadow had a great visit with staff last Friday. Some days, he seems so focused on running the pack and making sure Malik doesn't hold his tail too high, other times, the two of them are observed sleeping together on the top of the den. Brothers can be a mystery sometimes. One thing for sure, Shadow will always raise leg urinate the trees in the front of the exhibit and do a full body scratch of the ground to broadcast his scent, letting anyone around him know that he's in charge. If you happen to be a wolf or wolf care staff and you're standing behind him when he marks, be prepared to get a pile of debris kicked up in the air at considerable force. It happened to Maya the other day.
Shadow seems to be more successful in dominance sessions and Malik seems to be on the receiving end more often. Data from the new logs shows a 4 to 1 chance that Shadow will be on top in a dominance display. This will continue to be monitored throughout the winter. Although Lakota still gets mobbed by Mackenzie and Lucas, it appears that Malik is also on the receiving end of more chase scenes this week than last week. These interactions may even require Lakota or Malik to take refuge in the den to attempt to jaw spar with the pack. The chase scenes usually last less than 5 minutes before the pack is off chasing a squirrel or finding a deer hide to play with, but the addition of the pups was bound to change the dynamics of the Center's pack of three. It's always important to remember that wolf behavior is motivated by instincts that were selected for life in the wild. One of the most important behaviors to wolf pack dynamics is the social dominance hierarchy. These behaviors are alive and well in captivity and should be recognized by those who monitor their behavior. Jen Westlund and Kim Klosterman weighed the pups while they were in the holding area for the pups feeding on October 6th. The pups weighed 62 lbs. and were a handful to weigh. Weight data may continue, but it may be dependent upon the tenacity of the wolf care staff.
Shadow has also been showing the curious nature of a puppy. During a recent enclosure maintenance session, Shadow took a window washing squeegee from a water bucket and attempted to run through the woods with it. The length of the squeegee was longer than the distance between trees and caused Shadow considerable trouble. More trouble arose when he discovered that the other 4 wolves were close on his tail attempting to grab the squeegee. Shadow ran to the Wolf Curator and gladly gave up his possession, since the added attention of the other pack members made the possession less desirable. Shadow continues to show more dominance over Malik in most encounters, although there generally isn't much of a conflict between them. Malik easily submits to Shadow without too much of a struggle, giving Shadow minimal reason to continue active dominance.
Shadow seems to continue to be the initiater of play behavior with the pups. He continues to display posturing towards Malik, and is very nervous when Malik is behind him. The photo this week shows Shadow, growling at Malik when he approaches Maya and the cache. He does seem to have a strong bond with Maya.
At today's "Behind the Scenes" program, Shadow exhibited an unusual behavior for him. He was more relaxed than in previous programs. He did not tuck his tail or bark howled at the crowd at all. Actually he layed next to the fence during the whole program. This may be the result of the previous night feeding.
The pups winter coat is thickening by the day. Their guard hairs are growing in length and have reach well over 4 inches. Some of the guard hairs on the shoulders have a very crimped or wavy appearance. The variation differences of the Arctic pups to the Great Plains adults are really beginning to be noticeable. The shorter, more rounded ears of the Arctic's really contrast with the shape and size of the adults ears. Certainly the smaller exposed surface area of the ear would be advantageous in the winter climate of the Arctic. Another striking difference is the size of the paws and the bulkiness of the pups legs. In comparison to the adults, the pups have a larger paw size and appear to have a denser leg structure (larger diameter). Where the adults seem to have longer, lankier legs, the pups seem to developing legs like a fence post. We estimate the pups weight to be at about 70 pounds, but an exact weight has not been measured since early October when they weighed 62 lb..
Former Wolf Curator Janice Templeton was on site to assist with the medical exams. She inspected the neutering incisions on Malik and Shadow. Everything looks good. Mackenzie showed aggressive dominance toward Shadow and was very possessive of Janice, not allowing the pups to approach her. Lucas appears to be regaining pigmentation back in his nose"
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.