«Wolf Role-Play Guide»

[Zesha]

Written by Stormwind from the Off White Forum.

Due to my colossal, eternal love for the wolf I have dedicated a lot of my time to getting to know them inside and out. Because of the past 7 years of my persistent studying, I am able to put together a guide for role players interested in realistic wolf role play.
In case you are worried that I may feed you incorrect information, rest assured. I have my own collection of wolf literature, video documentaries and my own observations (via the Haliburton Forest Wolf Center) of the behaviors I will be providing to you. Everything I write here will have been confirmed at least twice, with two separate resources.

It is important that you know just how social the wolf really is. The idea of a 'lone wolf' is actually a romantic misconception. The wolf's very instinct drives it to seek others out. Although wolves may wander alone for a period of time, they will inevitably attempt to join or begin their own pack as soon as the opportunity arises.

A wolf pack is basically a family, composed of an Alpha (mated) pair and their offspring. There are some exceptions to that, however, such as the Alpha pair plus a close relative (sister, brother, aunt, uncle, etc). These are usually temporary. It is possible for an unrelated wolf to join a pack, usually as an Alpha animal. A wolf pack lives, hunts, and raises its young in an established territory, and depending on the subspecies, can be extremely vast or considerably small.



Fur
A wolf's coat is of moderate length, consisting of two layers: The top coat and the undercoat. Wolf fur colors can range from pure black to pure white, and may be or consist of gray, brown, golden, tan, cream, and a reddish brown. Wolf pups are born with dark black/brown coats, which change color as they age. Fur colors, body sizes & proportions and coat thickness varies among subspecies.

Wolves come in a variety of colors and markings. Colors and markings vary with subspecies.

Eyes
Wolves are born with blue eyes, which change color with age. Many people dispute the idea of adult wolves having blue eyes, some biologists believe it is impossible and some believe it is possible. Wolves' eyes are very bright and intense, known for their piercing stare.
A wolf's eyes may be varying shades of brown, gold, amber, gray, silver, yellow and green.

A wolf's eyes can be brown, gold, gray, green, amber and various shades of those.

WOLF SIZE REFERENCE CHART:
tanathe.deviantart.com/art/wolf-species-size-comparison-112154056


Dominance and submission rituals between wolves are a very important aspect of pack life. These rituals reassure every member of the pack, allowing each wolf to know its place and duty within its family. These rituals are sacred among animals, and does not reflect negativity the way it sometimes does in our human society.
Dominance and submission rituals create pack harmony. Although some rituals may appear to be mean or very aggressive, it is rare that a wolf will actually be seriously injured. Dominance and submission actually prevent fighting.

Dominance
Wolves that claim dominant ranks can show their status in various ways. A dominant wolf may walk with its head and tail held high, while directing its stare directly to another wolf. Eye contact is considered dominance, so subordinate animals often look away. Wolves will actively show their dominance in various displays, both active and passive.

* One of these displays is known as "bridging", where a dominant wolf will stand over a subordinate wolf. The higher ranking wolf may step on its packmate or lay down on the wolf, usually to entice a reaction.
* A dominant wolf may approach a subordinate wolf to enforce its rank simply by posturing. This would include the high ranking wolf's tail, head and ears to be erect. Its eyes will often be focused on the subordinate wolf's to further illustrate its higher position. While posturing, the wolf will walk towards and 'into' the subordinate animal, allowing the lower ranking wolf to respond with submissive posturing.
* When a dominant wolf wants to enforce its rank further, it may take the muzzle of a subordinate wolf between its jaws and grasp it firmly. This message clearly says "I am dominant over you."
* Dominance may also be achieved by a simple, hard stare and the lifting of its tail. A growl or snarl is often used to enforce dominance.
* A dominant wolf may enforce its rank by pinning a subordinate wolf to the ground, usually accompanied by dominant posturing and growling.
* Dominant wolves will place their heads over the back of a lower ranking wolf. It may also place its front legs over the subordinate wolf's back. In a more intense situation, the wolf may imitate a mounting behavior.
* Dominant wolves ALWAYS eat first at meals and will often snap at and dominate subordinate animals approaching too soon.
* Dominant wolves urinate with the raised-leg position, both male and female.


Submission
Subordinate wolves use submission to reinforce their ranks and appease dominant packmates. Subordinate wolves will often solicit dominance rituals from higher ranking wolves. By soliciting a dominant wolf for such rituals, the subordinate reassures itself of its position in the family and helps maintain harmony within the pack.

* Submissive wolves often approach dominant packmates with a lower body position, tail low and ears back. This is respectful and will help avoid more serious confrontation.
* A subordinate wolf will approach a dominant wolf and lick and bite its muzzle and chin, this is a sort of "Hail to the Alpha!" and happens quite often.
* A subordinate wolf can roll over onto its side or back and expose its neck, stomach and groin to a dominant wolf. This shows complete trust and submission to its packmate.
* A submissive wolf may 'cower' in the presence of a dominant wolf's posturing, especially when eye contact is given.
* A submissive wolf may prostrate in front of an Alpha wolf to reinforce rank, appease a dominant wolf or when trying to feed at a kill.
* A submissive wolf may use vocalizations like whimpering and whining, as well as growling, while engaging in dominance and submission with packmates.
* A submissive wolf may also urinate, either a small amount or a greater amount based on stress level, when confronted by a dominant wolf.
* Submissive wolves urinate with the squat position.



Body Postures
(See this to help you view the images.)

(Top middle) This is the body position of a wolf attacking. The erect ears and partially erect tail indicate dominance/confidence.


(Top right) This wolf feels threatened or defensive, while the lowered ears and low tail indicate subordination.


(Row 2, middle) A dominant wolf will often pin a subordinate wolf to the ground in a form of active dominance. Notice the dominant wolf's erect tail and ears, and the lowered body posture of the subordinate wolf.


(Row 2, right) Dominance and submission between two wolves. The dominant wolf stands above the subordinate, while the low ranking wolf exposes its stomach and groin to the wolf in passive submission.


( ? ) A running wolf, loose tail and ears indicate play.


(Row 3, right) A wolf running in fear, with its tail tucked beneath it and its ears laid back against its skull.


(Row 4, right) Active submission. The subordinate wolf lowers its body and licks at the dominant wolf's muzzle.


( ? ) A play bow, used to indicate playfulness and entice other wolves to play.


(Row 5, right) A subordinate wolf submits to a wolf displaying active dominance.


(Bottom) A combination of fear and aggression.



Tail Postures


A wagging tail can occur when a wolf is relaxed, or during times of stimulation (socializing, moving about). Can indicate confidence.


Tail held high, indicates dominance or a direct threat (in dominance).


A tail leveled with the wolf's body and held stiffly often indicates that the wolf is preparing to attack or is hunting.


A normal, active tail position, occurring when the wolf is relaxed, attentive or observing something.


Completely relaxed tail position, occurring when there is no social pressure.


A half-tucked tail indicates submission in the presence of a dominant wolf. It may also indicate fear.


A fully tucked tail position indicates extreme submission or fear.



Howling
Despite popular belief, wolves do not intentionally howl at the moon. They howl more often at night when the atmosphere is cooler and clear, helping their voices travel longer distances with greater volume.
Howling can occur for several reasons:

* Communication between pack members.
* Territorial defense against another pack.
* To rally the pack for a hunt.
* During social situations.
* When a wolf is distressed.
* For the sheer joy of it.
* To attract a mate.

Growling
Growling is used by both dominant and subordinate wolves.
Growling can occur when:

* A dominant wolf is addressing a subordinate wolf.
* A wolf is defending itself.
* A wolf is deflecting an annoying packmate.


Whimpering & Whining
Whimpering and whining is used by all wolves.
Whimpering and whining can occur when:

* A wolf is distressed or feeling discomfort, physically or emotionally.
* Puppies are hungry and trying to gain access to their mother's milk or food from a packmate's stomach.
* When there is a lack of social stimulation.


Wolves may also yip, yelp or bark. Barking usually sounds like a soft woof or a high-pitched bark.

Mating and Courtship

Courtship
Courtship is a bonding phase that occurs between two wolves, usually the breeding (or Alpha) pair of a pack. During this time, a mutual emotional attachment is created between the pair. Although wolves mate for life, a wolf will take another mate if its existing mate dies or leaves the pack. There is also the possibility that rivalry among wolves, injury and illness may cause a mated pair to separate.
Courtship usually begins the minute the female wolf goes into estrus (heat), usually in the winter months (Generally anywhere between January to April) and only once a year. Estrus lasts approximately 4 to 7 days. Courtship begins when the female wolf begins to bleed as well as urinate frequently. Her mate will pick up on the chemical signals she provides and begin focusing his attention on her. He will keep close to her, following her wherever she may lead. The mated wolves will groom each other, sleep next to one another and preform dominance and play gestures to one another. They will also begin mounting behavior from both the side and the back. The mated pair will also go on a 'Courtship Walk', which involves the two wolves walking or running side by side while nuzzling and licking each others muzzles. During courtship, a lot of licking and nuzzling takes place while the male courts the female.
During both courtship and mating periods, ritualized aggression becomes very frequent with the Alpha female targeting the females and the Alpha male targeting the males.

Mating
Except under special circumstances, only the Alpha pair will mate. The Alphas insure this by putting extreme stress and social pressure on the pack, insuring no one else mates. The two wolves will frequently mate for the duration of the female's estrus period. Pregnancy lasts approximately 9 weeks, during which the female begins to search for or dig a whelping den. The female wolf will give birth to a litter of around 4 to 6 puppies. While in the den, the mother keeps even her mate out. Sometimes she will accept another low ranking female in to help rear the puppies, but eventually all of the pack becomes involved in raising and caring for the pups. During the entire courtship and mating period, the mated pair will spend time cuddling, sleeping, playing and hunting together.

Pair bonding is NOT limited to the breeding season.

Scent

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For wolves, scent is their primary and most important sense. Their sense of smell is extremely powerful. Wolves use their noses to communicate with pack mates and learn all they need, especially around breeding season when the Alpha male pursues his mate. Wolves smell each other often, usually lingering near the base of their tail or even poking their nose beneath the tail. By smelling their packmates, wolves can detect their health, mood, and identity. A wolf's scent is the equivalent of a human's name, along with tons of important information. Scent also plays an important role in territory. Wolves mark their territory often with both urination and defecation, and these scent marks provide information to neighboring packs about what wolf pack resides where.
The known scent glands are located around the anus, at the top of the tail, behind the ears as well as on the cheek near the corner of the mouth.

* Dominant / Alpha wolves, both male and female, urinate with the raised-leg position. Subordinate wolves, regardless of gender, squat when urinating.



Alpha Wolf
The Alpha wolves are a mated pair, usually the only wolves in a pack to produce a litter during the breeding season. These two wolves are the highest ranking members of the pack and all subordinate pack members are subservient to them. They are the leaders, the rule makers. They are the first to defend the pack, the first to eat at a kill, the first to care for their family and the first to lead on a hunt. Alpha wolves have the most social freedom within the pack.

Beta Wolf[/u]
It is unknown whether there is one or two of these wolves, but it is safe to say that there is only one of each gender. The Beta wolf is the second highest ranking wolf under the Alpha wolves. The Beta wolf is also the wolf that would replace the Alpha of the same gender should the occasion arise, as well as being the first to challenge the Alpha for the position. The Beta wolf often enforces the Alpha's position and will keep low ranking wolves from eating at a kill until the Alpha is finished. Beta wolves are often the largest, strongest wolves. Beta wolves act as the Alpha's enforcers.

Subordinate Wolf[/u]
The subordinate wolves make up the unranked wolves of the pack, although they often hold dominance over one another within the subordinate ranks. They must wait until the Alpha and Beta wolves have eaten at a kill and must always show subservience to higher ranking wolves. Subordinate wolves are often the most sensitive wolves. Subordinates will always be the first to sense danger or changes, and thus alert dominant wolves to the situation.

Pups and Adolescents
When wolves are puppies, they are considered unranked. For the majority of the time, all puppies are allowed to eat first or with the Alphas at a kill. The adults will take a lot of abuse from a restless, biting puppy. Pups begin to sort out their ranks when they become adolescents but still experience some of their privileges from puppyhood such as eating first or second. All pack members are generally crazy about pups, but wont hesitate to discipline them when necessary.

Omega Wolf
An omega wolf is considered to be the lowest ranking members of the pack, often used as an outlet for the pack's aggression and frustration. However, the omega holds an extremely important and valuable job within the pack, and is highly respected and loved by the wolf family. There is usually only one omega wolf, who can sometimes be harassed to the point of extreme stress and may either leave or be ostracized from the pack. An omega wolf's role is to create calm during times of tension. Omega wolves create peace by appeasing aggressive wolves with submissive body posture and vocalizations and enticing wolves to play rather then fight. An omega wolf also places itself between tense wolves (especially during feeding) to deflect tension and aggression. Omega wolves redirect their packmates attention and ultimately diffuse tension and stop fights from breaking out. The omega wolf shows submission to all other wolves but always tends to the pack's pups with loving care. Even in the face of such aggression, the pack never ceases to show an omega affection and loyalty.



Wolf Games
Contrary to popular belief, wolves do play often. Wolves use play to strength their bonds within the pack and like all other living beings, to enjoy life to its fullest. Wolves often initiate play with a play bow, dropping down onto their forelegs with their back ends in the air. When its mutual, wolves will begin to jump back and forth and chase one another. Wolves play using their mouths, paws and bodies. Biting and nipping occurs often, while wolves paw at one another and tackle each other. Wrestling is a common game, which begins at the wolf's youngest years. For pups, wrestling and playing teaches them skills they will need for hunting and social rituals in their adult years. Wolves often use things such as sticks, feathers, bones and clumps of fur to play. Play often involves lots of happy, wagging tails, lolling tongues and smiling wolf faces.

The Wolf Smile
Biologists have discovered a sort of 'smile' which wolves use in social interactions. The smile consists of splayed ears, parting jaws and panting tongue and a soft gaze. This 'smile' conveys affection in its clearest terms, and is best seen on the face of a mother in the presence of her pups.


A wolf pack usually begins its hunt with a rallying howl, readying the wolves to set out. A pack will travel great distances to track prey and are quite determined. When a pack engages in a hunt, the alpha wolves, being the most experienced, lead the attack and are the most aggressive. Subordinate wolves will follow the more experienced Alphas and imitate them, learning the process.
When hunting large game, wolves will normally target weak or sick prey. A favorite target being a newborn or young prey item. Once the target is identified, wolves will sneak up on them and stalk them every inch they can. As soon as the target bolts, the wolves give chase. If the wolf cannot gain on its target within a few minutes, it will usually give up. A wolf will not spend energy if its not worth it.
Wolves generally attack large prey around the rump/back region. As soon as the prey stops, the wolves will usually move to grab it by the head, especially the nose. While one wolf target's the animal's nose, the rest will go for the rump, flanks, neck and throat.
The Alpha wolves always eat first, starting with the stomach. Alpha wolves will consume the heart and liver first, as those are the most nutritious organs. A lot of growling, snarling and threatening occurs while eating takes place, as each wolf (especially dominant wolves) guards its share of the kill. A wolf will often detach a chunk of meat and carry it off to eat alone.
After gorging on about ten to twenty pounds of meat, wolves will often move off to lay down and sleep.


More Information

* www.wolfcountry.net/
* www.wolfcenter.org/
* www.defenders.org/programs_and_policy/wildlife_conservation/imperiled_species/wolves/wolf_facts/biology.php
* www.everythingwolf.com/
* wolf.com/
* www.timberwolfinformation.org/
* animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Canis_lupus.html[/size][/blockquote]