About Wolf Body Language
Wolves are beautiful animals that embody the true spirit of nature and the wild. We often imagine a lone wolf howling beneath a full moon. But this is only one of many forms of communication wolves use to interact with other pack members.
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Features
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Like all species, the wolf has its unique form of communication, displayed in its body language. Wolves have three primary methods of communication: vocalizations, scent marking and body language. Wolves' body language shares some traits in common with dogs'.
Function
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Wolves use body language to express a variety of emotions, such as fear, submission, playfulness, dominance and aggression. They use it to display their place in the pack hierarchy, warn of danger or signal to attack. Their body language consists of moving their ears and tails, and assuming various body postures.
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Identification
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When a dominant pack member confronts it, a wolf may assume a submissive posture. A wolf expresses submission by pulling its ears back against its head and lowering its body. The wolf will keep its tail lowered or may tuck it between its legs. The submissive wolf avoids eye contact with the dominant wolf. The body language may also be accompanied by a whimpering sound. The wolf may roll over on its back to signal complete submission.
Benefits
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Wolves also shows their playful side through body language. A playful wolf lowers its upper body to the ground with its hind end upward. Dogs also often assume this posture when playing. The wolf keeps its ears pointed forward and may wag its tail. It may bark or make a yipping sound, and it appear to prance or frolic. Wolves assume playful positions when playing with offspring or other adult wolves.
Significance
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A dominant wolf will assume certain postures to display its leadership. The dominant wolf shows its confidence by a stiff stance with its chest pushed outward. The ears are pointed forward and the head is held high. As a form of intimidation, the dominant wolf glares fixedly at the other animal.
Effects
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A wolf shows aggression in much the same way a dog does. The ears are pulled flat to the sides of the head. The upper lip is curled to expose the teeth. The wolf keeps its shoulders up and lowers its tail. The fur bristles and it may arch its back. The wolf may also assume a crouching position if ready to attack. Aggressive behavior is usually accompanied by snarling and/or growling.
Considerations
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A wolf displays fear through body language by holding the ears flat to the head and pulling the tail between the legs. The wolf may arch its back, and the fur bristles. Along with body language, the wolf uses a variety of vocalizations such as howling, barking, yipping, yowling, snarling and growling. The vocalizations often accompany the body language. For instance, an aggressive wolf will growl, while a playful wolf will make yipping sounds. Even when the wolf is silent, its body language makes a clear statement.
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Resources
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