Shadow's behavior since the pups introduction has been remarkable. He's much more tolerant of the human handlers than he's ever been, he clearly spends time interacting and disciplining the pups and he takes his role of defending the enclosure more seriously than ever. Groups visiting the enclosure may see defensive barkhowling behavior first hand. He is relentless and often doesn't quit until the groups are escourted back into the building. A great educational moment for visitors.
Snow depth in front of viewing window drifting in and high enough for wolves to climb on and start paying more interest in the roof line of the building. Vermilion Community College Natural Resource students lock wolves in holding pen and shovel banked snow in front of the window. Wolves released and spent several minutes scent marking the recently moved snow. Roof lines no longer an issue thanks to Vermilion Students…
Shadow spent most of the week reasserting his role in the pack. He was observed riding up on Grizzer and forcing him to the ground to submit. He also had several noisy, intense dominance bouts with Malik. But, despite all this, he seems to be tolerating the wolf care staff well, and is enjoying the cold, snowy weather. He was observed in play with the pups several times, before turning back into the pack disciplinarian.
Good greetings to all, Meds, and Ivermectin to all wolves. Garlic given to Arctics – Arctics using holding area without problems.
Assistant Wolf Curator (for the summer), Damon Haan came to visit the wolves this weekend. Sherry Jokinen was also on site to photograph the arctics. The arctics are always excited to see them. There appears to be a bit of mid-winter dominance between Shadow and Malik, but no significant issues have occurred. The retired wolves weren't scheduled for any photographs, but enjoyed the attention from Sherry and Damon.
Meds to all, Shadow and Malik took awhile to come down from the top of the hill – they appear to be preoccupied with something at the top of the enclosure. A cougar attack on a horse occurred a few miles from the Center this week, while an enclosure check revealed no tracks around the pen except deer and squirrel, the smell of deer carcasses could certainly draw in wild predators.
There are no significant behavioral issues to report this week. All wolves seem to be enjoying the fresh snow which seems to fall daily. The only issue is the depth of snow and the height of fences (especially the retired enclosure). The wolf care staff are continually shoveling the winter waterers, paths and gates to ensure that day to day operations can continue. This week's log photos are reminder's of the days, months and years of care that's been delivered at the IWC. When winter arrives (as it has this year), the work can sometime seem overwhelming. Staff often talk about the good old pup days (we forget how much work pups are when the snow flies) Enjoy the pup pictures…
Shadow seems to be the dominant wolf of the pack. Last winter, without the influence of the pups, there wasn't really a need for a dominance rank order. The pups have changed everything; for the better as far as Shadow is concerned. Shadow has shown much more confidence than previous years and he is often seen initiating play behavior with the pups. Staff have noticed Shadow more willing to greet and stand for short examinations. Shadow still is a bit intolerant of stranger's. Recent Behind the Scenes tours have resulted in Shadow barkhowling toward the groups with a slightly tucked tail. When groups leave, Malik usually spends a bit of time testing Shadow's vulnerabilities, but Shadow comes out on top.
Former Nanny and photographer Sherry Jokinen came to visit the wolves today (why is it no one visits the wolf care staff?) The arctics were so excited to see her, especially Shadow. We had a good visit, and she photographed some great dominance behavior. Retired wolves were very excited to see Sherry as well. Lakota's still holding her foot a bit stiff, Rimadyl is continued.
Good interactions with all, Shadow approached Lakota and Lakota initiated a play bow. Shadow did not chase, nor did he show any aggression toward Lakota. This is the first time in several weeks that Lakota has initiated play with the yearlings, although her tail was tucked the whole time.
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.