Post by Jay on Aug 19, 2009 15:26:32 GMT -5
Wolf Social Behaviors
Wolf Packs
- Any given wolf pack can have somewhere between 2-40 members.
- Most members are related, usually being offspring or kin of the alpha pair.
- A pack's territory can be from about 50 square miles up to more than 1000 square miles.
- To create a territory, the alphas and then other members mark borders with urine and scratch marks.
- There is only one pair of dominant wolves; the Alpha Pair. They are normally the only pair to breed.
- Other ranks are established by fighting; the submissive wolves remain lower ranked while more dominant ones rise.
- The females of a pack are lead by the alpha female. Likewise, the males of the pack follow the alpha male's lead.
Pack Heirarchy
"Rank is determined by ritualized aggressive behavior that consists of various body postures and behavior. A wolf trying to get across that he/she is dominant will approach the other wolves with tail raised, ears erect, fur along the back is raised, and looking the other wolves straight in the eyes. In a fight, the dominant wolf will pin the other wolf down to the ground, and growl in his or her face. The wolf displaying submissive gestures to the dominant wolves usually approach them with their tail low or between their legs, usually wagging their tail loosely, their ears are laid flat against their head, and try to avoid eye contact. In a fight, these wolves will be on their back, with their tail curled over their belly, ears flat and whining.
The wolves do not get hurt participating in this ritual; actually it helps to avoid fights by establishing a definite pecking order so there is no confusion. Otherwise, it would always be a mad rush during feeding, and this lack of organization would cause chaos and many pack members would be hurt. In the event that the wolves actually fight, it is usually resolved by simply posturing. But in the event of a real fight, such as a fight for a rank, the fight can be serious and not resolved by posturing. The wolves will try to push each other to the ground, they will bare their teeth, snarl and make a lot of noise. Usually, one will give up, and no one will get hurt. However, sometimes injuries do occur, and it is when a wolf refuses to give up the fight, and gets mauled by the higher ranking wolf.
The lower ranking wolves will regularly display their respect for their leaders. They have an elaborate greeting ceremony, where the lower ranking wolves will display submissive behavior to its superiors. Muzzle licking, genital sniffing and mutual grooming are all displayed by the subordinate to the superior. The lowest ranking wolves are usually picked on by the rest of the members of the pack, and are often used to relieve tension within the pack. Often, the omega is the most playful and outgoing member of the pack and often initiates play. Wolves within the pack have close bonds and play more than they fight. Intrapack fighting only occurs when they are feeding, when a pecking order is established so that the highest ranking eat first.
Fighting also occurs when there is tension within the pack when a member has disappeared and reappeared. If a wolf is absent from the pack for any amount of time, it is rejected from the pack; if allowed back in it has the rank of omega and is picked on constantly. Interpack fighting occurs in cramped areas where pack boundaries often intermingle, and fighting breaks out from encounters."
Play Time
- Play within a pack involves most of the members, or just a few individuals.
- It builds bonds between members and helps younger wolves learn hunting and fighting moves.
- To initiate play, a wolf will usually go into a "play bow" posture; that is, its upper half will dip to the ground while its rump is in the air. Forelegs are stretched out in front of it, and a sharp yip or woof is emitted.
- Types of play include wrestling, tug of war, tag, chase, or a wolf by itself may play with a piece of bone or a feather.
Bonds Between Wolves
- The alpha pair, or any wolf pair, usually have an extremely tight bond and are loyal to eachother.
- If a mate dies, the partner does often find a new mate.
- Affection between wolves is shown by nuzzling and licking.
Communication
- Communication can vary. Posture, scent, positioning of tail and ears, and noises such as growls, grunts, howls, whines, whimpers, yips, and woofs are all common methods.
- Howling can be used to locate another wolf, let other packs know where their territory lies, and to greet other members among many other, less known reasons.
- "Wolves will raise their tail high to indicate that they are in charge, and tuck it between their legs to indicate fear or submission. Ears laying flat against the head accompanied by bared teeth indicate fear, but ears pointed forward accompanied by bared teeth indicate aggression without fear. Wolves indicate their aggression by growling , pricking their ears forward, staring, and pointing their tail straight outwards. Wolves flatten their ears, tuck their tail between their legs, look away, and have their back arched outward when they are afraid. Wolves who roll on their back and showing their belly are showing submission. Those who are ambivalent (don't know how they feel, or have mixed feelings about a situation or wolf), will often mix up these signals. Wolves stick out their tongue at another wolf to tell him that they give up."
Body Postures
Snapping Attack: Ears forward, teeth bared, tail bent, and body in a defensive posture. This wolf is signaling to the other wolves that he means business, and will attack other wolves if they do not obey him. This is most likely a dominant wolf displaying aggression towards a lower ranking pack member, possibly chasing it away from a kill. This is also used to scare away intruders. Basically, making himself look scary to avoid confrontation, the last step before actual physical combat.
Defensive Threat: Ears laid back against head, tail tucked between legs, back arched, holding a submissive posture. This wolf feels threatened by another wolf's actions, and is not likely to give up easily. This wolf is preparing to fight off whoever is making him feel uncomfortable, but tries to scare him away first with flashing fangs.
Fighting Pin-Down: Display of dominance. An alpha pack member will often assert his or her authority over other pack members by this form of ritualized aggression. Dominant members of the pack will pin down the lower ranking ones to make sure they understand they are lower in rank.
Passive Submission: Submissive wolf is laying on back, often with tail tucked between legs, curls up front paws and lays ears back against the head. Wolves do this to show submission without going to the full blown out active submission. Mostly done by lower ranking wolves to all members of the pack that are higher in rank.
Active Submission: submissive wolf has ears flattened against head, tail, curled downward, and head lowered, walking crouched. This wolf is demonstrating to higher ranking members of the pack that he is no threat, and acknowledges their higher rank. Mostly done by higher ranking wolves to the alpha pair.
Running in Play: Ears at resting position, tail arched, mouth parted in a relaxed smile, running normally. This wolf is running, possibly in play, and appears at ease.
Running in Fear: Ears flattened against the head, tail tucked between legs, clenched smile, running with back arched and legs folded. This wolf is running, fearing for its safety.
Play Bow: Ears normal position, tail relaxed, rear raised, upper body on ground. This wolf is attempting to lure other wolves into playing with him!
Ambivalent Display: (mixed emotions) Fear and Aggression: tongue sticking out indicates submission, bared teeth indicate aggression, ears laid back mean fear.
Tail Postures
Dominance: Tail raised high in display of dominance. The first line in intimidation by higher ranking wolves.
Relaxed: Tail in normal resting position. Indicates wolf is content and complacent.
Humility: shows a wolf is being non-threatening towards other non-alpha wolves. Used by higher ranking wolves towards other higher ranking wolves.
Fear or Submission: tail tucked firmly between legs.
Attack Mode: Tail pointing straight out at 180 degrees from body. This wolf is mad, and displaying his anger. Often followed by a snapping attack.