Shadow was released at 7 am with all students from the Vermilion Community College Wolf Ethology course on site as observers. Lucas who aggressively dominated Shadow intercepted every attempt that Shadow made to approach Lakota. The two Alpha's were mainly the ones that gave Shadow a hard time. About half an hour after Shadow came out of the holding pen, Shadow was able to stand next to Lakota without dominance from the alphas. Lakota was submissive with a low tail, but was not fearful and didn't tuck her tail. Shadow retired to the den due to the heat and humidity, there were no more interactions for the rest of the day.
All greeted staff, with good interactions. Mackenzie attempted to pull Shadow off the greeting rock, but Shadow growled at Mackenzie and stayed on the rock"
Shadow showed signs of dominating Lucas, riding up on Lucas's shoulders, resting his head on Lucas' back. Lucas is very nervous with this new behavior. Both Mackenzie and Lucas begin following Shadow around. There's a lot of tension between the alpha's and Shadow. Lakota is visited by wolf care staff and shows more interest in eating food than visiting people.
Curator's note: This is the time of the year when wolves generally breed and wolves' aggression and status is defended or challenged. Even though our wolves are spayed and neutered, they still have hormonal cycles that make them vie for status during the height of the breeding season. Tension between Malik and Shadow has been observed in the last few weeks. At this time, Malik still maintains his dominance over Shadow, but every day there's a noticeable change in Shadow's demeanor.
Shadow was riding up on Malik during the greeting and lots of aggression was observed. Shadow was grabbing Malik by the scruff of the neck and forcing his head to the ground. Malik was resisting, but his tail posture was much lower than previously observed. Shadow has been strutting around with a high tail and often follows Malik around the enclosure.
Curator Lori Schmidt spent some time in the enclosure this afternoon to assess the dominance issues between all wolves and conduct physical and behavioral assessments. Shadow was extremely excited to spend time with her and became very dominant toward Malik if he approached Lori. Shadow rolled over in a submissive posture several times in front of Lori and spent most of the time with her. Both arctics were in good physical condition, and were fairing the colder weather well.
Shadow continues to be shy toward visitors to the fence. Two students from Vermilion Community College’s Wolf Ethology class were on site to observe wolf care procedures. Shadow was extremely timid with tucked tail, bark howling and quivering. Students moved away and Shadow went to the top of the enclosure. Shadow’s bark howling caused MacKenzie and Lakota to get into a scuffle, Lakota initially defended herself, then submitted within seconds.
Pup programming begins today. *The pup's participation in each program lasts approximately 20 minutes. For their comfort and protection, during the programs they are in a fenced pen approximately 6' square. The sides of the pen are 4' high. The pen has been outfitted with wood chips, rocks, and evergreen branches to simulate natural conditions for the pups during the time they are in front of International Wolf Center audiences. The pups are "on their own schedule" and the staff follows their lead with regards to entering and leaving the pen. If the pups exhibit behavior indicating that they would prefer to leave the pen, and the program, they are permitted to do so. While in the pen, the pups are free to play, display natural behaviors, sleep or move about the pen. Rather than being carried into or out of the pen, the pups are encouraged to enter and leave the pen with play toys, food etc. The staff has found it challenging to come up with new things to place in the pen to interest the pups. A long string with pieces of deer hide attached has been successful in getting their attention when it's time to go back outside.
Shadow is an amazing wolf to watch and learn about behavior. During a recent predation seminar held at the IWC, Shadow demonstrated his status through bark-howling at the group of seminar students. In this week's photo, you will see Shadow's intensity in his direct stare and teeth. It's a pretty clear message that he's in charge; Now, if Malik would just accept it, it would be calm here.
Shadow and Malik had a lot of aggressive posturing and dominance aggression over a fresh beaver; Shadow stole Malik's beaver and started to eat both beaver. Fortunately, staff feed enough beaver to allow both to eat, although one wolf usually has to wait."
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.