Ever since red wolves 1784 and 1794 were released in the Museum’s Red Wolf Enclosure, the male has followed the female wherever she roamed, relentlessly. She, wanting no part of him, would allow no closer than perhaps a dozen feet between them before she would turn, bare her teeth, arch her back, and, if necessary, lunge at him.
Our female is entering estrous and she is now allowing the male closer approach, although she still holds him back with a show of teeth and occasional lunge.
The following sequence reveals much about what’s been going on over the past few days. That’s her reclining.
These bouts are increasing. I’m predicting mating within the next day or two. I could be wrong, but I’m sticking to it.
Well, if anyone has followed the adventures of our red wolves you’d know that my prediction, “mating [would occur] within the next day or two” was way off. My statement that “The next week or so should be really exciting!” was not quite accurate either. Oh, the following few weeks were indeed exciting, but not in the way I had hoped. The female kept putting off the male, and as all of you are aware, mating didn’t not occur. There’s always next year???
Well… let’s hope she lets him do his thing. Gestation is ~9 weeks…
Great shots Ranger Greg! I will be eager to read about what happens next!
Thanks all, for the comments. The next week or so should be really exciting!
What a FABULOUS sequence of photos! We will share the link on our Facebook page! Thank you!!!!
For those of us who are stuck indoors all day, in offices and the like, your posts are such a refreshing break! Can’t wait till you are sending us pictures of puppies! THANKS