Behavior

Wolves can visually communicate an extensive display of moods and expressions. These range from sublte signals, like a shift in weight, to obvious ones like rolling on the back, which is a sign of complete submission.

Dominant

A dominant wolf will stand stiff legged and tall. Its ears are forward and erect. Its hackles bristle slightly. Qiute often the tail is held vertical and curled toward the back, showing the wolf's rank to all the others in the pack. A dominant may stare penatratingly at a submissive, pin it to the ground, "ride up" on its shoulder, or stand on its hind legs.

Submissive

There are two different forms of submission. In active submission, the entire body is lowered, and the lips and ears are drawn back, sometimes accompianed by muzzle licking. The back may be partially arched as the submissive humbles itself to the dominant. The more arched back, and a more tucked tail, indicates a greater level of submission. Passive submission is more intense. The wolf exposes its vunerable throat and underside by rolling onto its back, paws drawn into the body. Often this is accompanied by whimpering.

Submissive wolf

Anger

An angry lupine's ears are erect, and its fur bristles. The lips may curl or pull back, and the incisors are displayed. Also it may arch its back, snarl, or lash out.

Fear

A frightened wolf tries to make its body look small, and therefore less conspicuous. The ears are down against the head, and the tail may be tucked between the legs, as with a submissive wolf. There may also be whimpering or barks of fear, and the wolf may arch its back.

Frightened wolf

Defensive

A defensive wolf flattens its ears against its head. This gives other wolves a warning to watch out, and be cautious.

Defensive wolf

Happy

Just as dogs do, a wolf may wag its tail if it is in a joyful mood. Its tongue may loll out of its mouth.

Playful

A playful wolf holds its tail high and wags it. The wolf may prance and dance around, or bow by placing the front of its body down on the ground, while holding its rear end high, sometimes wagged.