The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Growls and other low-pitched sounds usually indicate expressions of frustration and anger. These sounds are usually a warning that the wolf is irritated, feeling threatened or taking an aggressive stance.







Whimpers, whines and other high-pitched sounds usually indicate that the wolf wants attention or feels sad or distressed. A flattening of the ears and the lowering of the head and tail usually accompany these sounds.







Yelps and yips usually indicate that the wolf is startled, frightened or in pain.







Murrs and soft, rumbling moans are sounds of contentment.







Chuffs, huffs and barks are usually a greeting or a way of alerting others to the wolfs presence.







Chuffles and Snorts are the equivalent of wolf chuckles and indicate that the wolf is amused.







Howls are a way to call out to other wolves in the distance, declare territory, express deep sorrow and anguish, or express triumphant joy. The pitch, timber and length of the howl are directly indicative of its meaning.







The harshness of each sound will indicate its meaning. A low growl could be a warning to keep your distance whereas an all out snarl would mean back off or else . The same applies to all other wolf sounds, as well.











Pounces are a way of being playful. They are much like a playful tackle and usually intended to illicit a session of chase and tumble.







Nuzzles are a way of showing affection. When two wolves brush their muzzles together, it is known as nuzzling. Nuzzling does not necessarily indicate anything more than friendship, but is more common between mated pairs than simple pack mates.







Snorks are a way of playfully teasing another wolf in hopes of encouraging it to play. When a wolf snorts into another wolfs ear, this is known as a snork. This action is most often employed by higher ranking or parent wolves wishing to play with a younger wolf or pup.







Snuffles are when a wolf noses and sniffs into another wolfs fur. This can be an affectionate and familiar form of greeting or simply a way of saying, I like you.e







Slurps and licks are affectionate actions. They are simply a way to show a friend, family member, or mate that the wolf cares about them.







Tail wags show that a wolf is happy. The position of the tail can also indicate the wolfs current mood. If the tail is held high, the wolf is feeling confident. If the tail is held low or between the legs, the wolf is feeling frightened or nervous. When the wolf is relaxed, the tail will hang down, curling slightly upward at the tip.







Nips are quick, snapping bites. These can be playful attempts at teasing in hopes of starting a play fight or a sign that the wolf wishes to be left alone. It is usually obvious which way the nip is meant to be taken.







Snarls are an aggressive exposure of the teeth accomplished by wrinkling the muzzle and curling back the lips. Snarls are usually accompanied by growling sounds and should be considered a threat of violence or a warning to back off.







Ear positioning, much like the position of the tail, can be a reliable indicator of a wolfs mood. When a wolf is feeling happy, confident, playful or aggressive, the ears will be held erect. When a wolf is feeling sorrowful, apologetic or defeated, the ears will be held down in the closed position. When a wolf is feeling threatened, frightened or intimidated, the ears will be pinned back tightly to its head. This posture is commonly seen as a wolf approaches a higher-ranking wolf, such as the pack Alpha.







Hunting is usually done at night. Wolves primarily prey upon large hoofed mammals such as deer, caribou, elk, and moose, but sometimes eat berries, birds, beaver, fish, and insects. Animals that they kill are usually young, old, or otherwise weaker members of their populations because they are easiest to capture. Most pursuits of prey range in length from 100 yards to 3 miles.











Wolves are generally quite playful - only becoming aggressive when they feel it is necessary. They usually enjoy the company of other species, so long as they do not feel threatened, though they tend to distrust any species that walks on two legs - Elves, and woodland Fae being the exception to this.







Wolves only kill for food or to protect themselves and the ones they care about. They are extremely loyal, protective and noble creatures - willing to give their very lives to protect their family, friends and allies.







One thing that a wolf takes quite seriously is the hunt. A wolf will relentlessly track its intended prey until the opportunity to attack presents itself or the wolf is able to set up an ambush. An unsuccessful attack will normally lead to a chase, in which case, the wolf is capable of reaching speeds in excess of forty-five miles per hour for short sprints - and twenty-five miles per hour for several miles.











Wolves generally live in one of three society structures - packs, family units, or alone.







Packs are groups of two or more family units that live, play and hunt together - sharing a territory. There are two hierarchies in a wolf pack, which reduce conflict and promote social order. All the female wolves are led by a dominant Alpha female while all the male wolves in the pack are led by a dominant Alpha male. Larger packs may also employ a male and a female Beta wolf, which serve as second in command to the Alphas.







Family Units are groups of wolves consisting of a mated pair and their offspring. A successful family unit may eventually grow into a full-fledged pack, though doing so may lead to territory disputes with other packs.







Lone Wolves are solitary wolves that belong to no pack or family unit. There are various possible reasons for this to happen. Perhaps a tragedy occurred, causing the wolf to become orphaned - or perhaps the wolf has been banished from his pack for unsuccessfully challenging the Alpha or some other transgression - or perhaps it is a rogue wolf, disdaining the company of his fellows. The variety of possible reasons for being a Lone Wolf makes them very unpredictable - they should always be approached with caution.







Territory - A wolf packs territory can range in size from 100 to 260 square miles, depending on the abundance of food and water. Territories may also overlap, although wolf packs very seldom confront one another unless there is a dispute over a favored hunting ground.

COMMENTS

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Oceanne
10:39 Oct 05 2010

And when a wolf yawns,it is an indication that they are irritated.

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