Wolf postures and behaviors

Snapping attack: This is a wolf who is engaging dangerous prey. Contrary to what you may believe- many wolves dies each year by counter- attacks from prey. A kick to the chest can break ribs. A kick to the face can blind, and even kill. Notice how this wolf is crouched low- the minimize it's physical presence. However, his ears are up: He is gathering as much information as he can, while maintaining a low profile. This is also the technique our snipers use in warfare.

Defensive threat: This is a wolf who is being threatened. His body is not facing the threat- reducing his profile, and his vulnerability to attack. His ears are back- they are not always. But in this case- they are showing submission. You can rest assured this wolf is not facing a peer- or he is a submissive who does not want to be demoted further within the pack. Being demoted can cost him his life.

Fighting pin- down. These wolves are not fighting like we think of fighting. Actually, they are reinforcing the pack structure with play. Wolf play can sound- and seem like murder. Trust me. I know. Taking a ten million candlepower spotlight at night and an assault shotgun because we are sure there is a mountain lion eating the wolves- only to discover they are playing and no harm is done- and not a drop fo blood is spilled will alert you to their play habits. The bottom wolf in this picture is submittign to the upper wolf's will. His paw in on his neck- not in struggle but in willing submission.

Passive submission: I might call this active submission. From the context, I seem to think the dominant wolf approached the lower totem pole wolf. The lower status wolf get on its back and exposes it's belly- it's most vulnerable area. This is to show the dominant wolf: You have compl;ete control of me. I trust you with all of my being. Lead the pack- and lead it well. You are my superior. You might think it takes a special wolf to be alpha. Generally, it does. But what it takes most of all is the will to be... To be the one who faces challenge head on. Who defies the odds and pushes anyway. I have seen the largest, most powerful males submit to lesser males who had the sheer willpower to be the leader. Contrary to new, flawed knowledge, there is indeed an alpha. Saying there is not such thing as an alpha is like saying all humans are the same, and no human has a stronger will than the next. This is simply not true.

Running in play: I like this one. Thsi wolf is happy. You can see the smile (Wolves do smile. See my gallery.) Ears are back, why?? Because, friends, this wolf is intentionally dulling his sense of hearing because he is comfortable. Why??? You ask. A good question. A wolf who is playing, is at peace with his surroundings. I know, because when I'd wrestle with my baby boy (The white wolf) I could tell in my spirit- he was at peace. At total peace with me. If he was not- our wrestling matches would be for keeps... In other words, he'd be going for my throat- with the intention of removing it. From my neck. Which would be bad... for me. But I knew he trusted me. And loved me. I dare say the love of a wolf like this is a sacred thing.

Active submission: I would say that the alpha happened upon the omega, and the omega was not given time to lay on his back. In reverence, the omega licks the alpha's neck and throat area- which to me, is the omega reverting to being young enough to have to lick his mothers mouth to get her to feed him. It is important... Because this is life for the omega. He is essemntially saying, “You are life to this pack. I depend on you for food. And for the sustenance of life itself. I revere you- and willingly submit to you.

Play bow: This is my favorite. I love this expression. About half of the wolves loved me. They would give their lives- and one nearly did- to protect me. The other half- feared me... Because of the turmoil in my heart, and spirit. And the man I used to be. Take that how you will, my good friends know what I went through during those difficult times. Please see how this wolf has his ears back- but not against his head. They are back, yes, but they are also gathering his playmate's signals. They are not totally forward, either. Why... I'll tell you. A wolf with his ears perked up and forward is a wolf who is attentive because his life depends on it. He is stalking prey- or perhaps listening to a rival's pack howls- which can travel for six miles in the air to the neighboring packs' ears- and sometimes even farther. But a wolf who's ears are not fully back in submission, nor fully erect in determined listening- is a wolf who is at play. His butt is in the air- which is a sign of vulnerability. Exposing his, pardon me, genitals- which are extremely vulnerable to attack- yet he is not looking behind him- means he is at perfect, playful peace. A wolf who is this happy, his excitement is contagious, and if you have the heart- it will infect you as well.


Running in fear: This wolf has had it's confidence cut down. You see, it's ears are focusing behind it. This can be because his prey has kicked it, or has injured it somehow. When a wolf goes after prey, it is confident, and even proud. Why? Because the alpha has to be. He must rule his pack. He is the one who mates.. He is the one who fights. An alpha rarely takes this position. Why? Good question. Because he knows better. And if not, if the prey somehow outsmarts him- he is the proud wolf who will willingly take a sharp hoof to his face. You will never see an alpha run this way, with his or her tail between their legs. They are seasoned, they are regal, and noble. If their subjugates desire to attack and be deflected and forced to retreat this way, so be it. Tail is protecting their genitals, ears listening for respite, and they are running as fast as they can, away from the threat.

Yearling submits to dominant display: This yearling has been bitten by his mother. He knows- he is to submit to her, and the other pack. He is contented to remain at his station under them. The adult knows, all he need do is raise his head over the yearling- and the yearling will submit. He is not old enough yet to hunt as effectively- he is still dependent on the pack- and thusly he feels inferior. At attempt at Alpha at this point is futile. He is not big enough, nor is he skilled enough. His best option, at this point, is to simply submit to hi elder. Which he does. Ears back- Do with me what you will. Low head- I am submitting. Cowering posture- submission.

Ambivalent display: Wolf turns into a pig. Meh. What do I care? I'm made out of bacon.