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Author visits with wolf pack at the Witter Wildlife Refuge
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Words For Wildlife
by State licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, James Orr
WOLF RULES
The Witter Wildlife Refuge provides a permanent home for eight wolves. It has been fascinating watching them function as a pack managing their society as efficiently as any City Hall operation.
Tame wolves react to people much the same as dogs might. They enjoy meeting people, wag their tails, and love to be brushed or petted. Wolves do not naturally bark but can learn to, particularly if around dogs. I have found wolf communication seems to involve a larger vocabulary than dogs utilizing a wide variety of sounds ranging from long lasting group howls to individual vocal expressions.
Untamed wolves are naturally afraid of people and disappear when humans approach. Unlike the movie myths wolves in the wild pose little threat to people. There is no known case of a wild wolf ever killing a human in North America. There are only three documented cases in Europe in the last few centuries. Considering how many dog attacks occur everyday nationwide wolves are not very high on the list of dangerous animals as far as people are concerned.
Of the eight wolves I care for two are still untamed and do not allow me to touch them. They have lived here almost two years and although they no longer hide from me they still keep their distance.
The two Alpha wolves, the leaders of the pack accept me as their equal. Since I bring food I am an Alpha to them. The Alphas, one male one female manage the pack and maintain order. They have supreme status among the other wolves. They determine who eats and when, what status each of the other wolf has, and even who sleeps where in the den.
If I enter the wolf cave when all the wolves are inside it is not uncommon to hear snarls and growls. From outside it might sound like I have been nominated as the main course. Inside the cave the Alphas are simply rearranging the other wolves to make a space for me next to them in the Royalty section.
In an effort to get the two wild wolves to approach me I decided to lay on the ground and submit to them to see if they would come closer. What I did not realize is that this is a major fauxpa in the wolf world. An Alpha (me in this case), NEVER submits to a lower ranking wolf. As soon as I laid down the two alpha wolves ran to me and made me get up. They made it very clear submission was not an option. They stuck their noses under me lifting me up very quickly even nipping my clothes and lifting. It was obvious I had broken a rule and my behavior was unacceptable.
In my experience the Alphas rarely fight or hurt pack members. Their primary function is to maintain order. They control the others with a stare, a growl, a snarl or on occasion a charge. The moment another wolf notices the Alpha is displeased with them they retreat or drop to the ground in submission. If the Alpha wants to punctuate it’s message it will place its jaws over the throat of the submissive wolf. Once satisfied its point is well taken it simply walks away.
Two weeks ago one of the middle ranking wolves, a Beta was trying to hog several bowls of food to herself. She would run off other wolves that tried to eat from any of the three bowls. The other wolves were relatively unphazed simply moving on to other bowls further away. This went on for several days until she apparently aggravated the Alphas with her behavior. There was a terrible fight that lasted several minutes and sounded like it was a fight to the death. We were seriously concerned the Beta had been severely injured or killed as she was nowhere to be seen when the fight ended. We knew she was in the cave but had no idea what her condition was.
I entered the wolf enclosure to check on her and found the two Alpha wolves guarding the cave entrance. They allowed me to enter the cave but would not allow the Beta wolf to leave. I was pleased to discover the wolf prisoner had no serious injuries, only one small puncture on her foot.
The Alphas where punishing her for her behavior and made her stay in the cave alone for three days. The Alphas took turns sitting at the entrance making sure she did not leave until they gave her a reprieve.
When they finally did permit her to rejoin the pack she was demoted to an Omega, the lowest ranking wolf class. She had to stay to the rear of the pack, eat last, and stay out of sight when visitors arrived. She eventually earned back her Beta status after a week or so of good behavior.
I have one wolf “Feather” that lives with my dogs in the house. She generally behaves very well but as one of the larger house pets sometimes gets too big for her britches. She is very hard to discipline as she is too fast to swat and too clever to trick. I have found the best discipline for her is to return her to the wolf pen for a day or two. The Alphas put her in her place without any violence and she is very well behaved when she is allowed to return to the house. It is sort of like sending a kid to military school to learn manners and discipline.
DONATIONS NEEDED If you would like to help any donation amount it is greatly appreciated. Donations should be made out to Witter Wildlife Refuge and can be sent to P.O. Box 1118, Huntsville AR 72740.
See web page under "HOW YOU CAN HELP" for specific ways you can help us help wildlife
