Standing over and hugging in wild wolves
January 1, 2001
During six summers, I observed standing over (SO) and hugging in a pack of wild Wolves (Canis lupus) habituated to me. In SO, one Wolf positions its groin above a recumbent Wolf's nose. I observed SO among all yearling and older Wolves for 1-180 seconds (X? = 69 ¨± 46 S.D.; N = 16). SO appeared to be primarily female-oriented and may inform each Wolf of the reproductive status of the other. I observed hugging five times and only during years when food competition was minimal.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Title | Standing over and hugging in wild wolves |
| Authors | L. David Mech |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Canadian Field-Naturalist |
| Index ID | 1001715 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center |