What steps is the International Wolf Center taking to maximize the safety and survival of the wolf pups when they join the pack?
The initial plan is, over several days, to introduce one wolf at a time to the pups in the safety of the pup pen. The first introduction day will be calm with only Wolf Care staff who the wolves really like in the pen in order to maximize their positive experience. More Wolf Care staff than wolves will be present to intervene and distract the wolves with meatballs, if necessary. The dominant wolves will be allowed to meet the pups first and will likely take on a parental role toward the pups including guarding them from the other wolves. • Can wolf pups be handled like dog puppies? No. Dogs are domesticated animals and have been genetically altered through the domestication process to include humans in their social structure. Wolves have all the genes that were selected for survival in the wild rather than what humans selected for a domesticated dog. Wolves are predators; they will chase and attempt to grab and bite something that runs in front of them. As they get older, these can be
