Sleep. Very important.

Female red wolf 1794 gets a little shut-eye.
Female red wolf 1794 gets a little shut-eye.

 

We all need sleep and red wolves are no exception. Our female red wolf’s favorite sleeping spot is behind the mound of dirt directly in front of the Red Wolf Overlook. Occasionally, she’ll rest slightly to the right of the backside of the mound. That’s where I found her for the photo above.

Her sleep, as with most wild creatures, is rarely so deep as to not be alert to what’s going on around her. Her ears are perked up and always listening, the slightest sound may have her up and ready for action.

 

The wolf awakened by the approach of a group of school children. Not alarmed, she simply takes half-hearted peek.
The wolf awakened by the approach of a group of school children. Not alarmed, she simply takes a half-hearted peek.

 

The truth is, our two red wolves are much more active than the previous red wolves that resided here. Our current residents take regular strolls around the enclosure. And, although their fur coats are excellent camouflage, the male is easy to pick out at the top right of the enclosure when he does decide to recline on the rocky, clay ridge top.

Why are these wolves more active that the “old” wolves? It may be that these two wolves are about half the age of our previous wolves (both 4.5 years verses 9 and 11 years). Whatever the reason for their apparent busyness, you have a very good chance of seeing them in action when you visit the Museum.

 

It may be their relative youth that keeps our wolves so active.
It may be their relative youth that keeps our wolves so active (female 1784).

 

Come on out and see them for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

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