Seasonal Behavioral Changes

As fall sets in, the days grow shorter, the temperatures begin to drop, and here at Wild Spirit, the Animal Care staff begin to experience noticeable changes in some of the wolves and higher content wolfdogs, indicating that winter is nearly upon us.

In some cases, animals that are normally sweet and social begin to demonstrate aggressive territorial displays, actively guarding their resources, companion, or even their space. On the other end of the spectrum, sometimes animals that are normally shy and hands-off become braver, actively seeking out affection from their favorite Caretakers. Whatever the case may be, these shifts in personality and behavior are known as “Seasonal Behavioral Changes,” and they are driven specifically by hormonal fluctuations that take place in the fall and winter— or rather, the months leading up to and throughout the wolf’s breeding season. “Seasonal Behavioral Changes” are often referred to as “Seasonal Aggression” or “Winter Wolf Syndrome,” but it’s important to note that not all behavioral changes will be aggressive, and this shift is not a syndrome. 

Regardless of its title, this phenomenon is one of the least talked about aspects of owning (or even working with) wolves and wolfdogs. As a result, new and inexperienced owners are often unprepared for the changes that the season may bring— especially as their animals reach sexual maturity in their 2nd to 4th years—which often results in unexpected incidents involving human or animal safety. In many cases, this leads to owners seeking sanctuary placement due to uncertainty about what they’re experiencing in the first place, and ultimately, whether these changes are lifelong things.

In some of the worst cases, these behavioral changes may also lead to owners euthanizing their pets, not knowing that once the season ends, their animals will likely shift back to their “normal” personalities. Even in a professional capacity, these transformations—which can last for months—may mean that drastic changes are needed for our daily routines. With the season almost upon us, we wanted to take this opportunity to share with our readers some information about the wolf’s breeding season, and what it may have in store for us and our rescues. But before we delve too much into the specifics, it’s important to note that not all wolves and wolfdogs will go through drastic (or even noticeable) shifts during this time of the year, and despite the fact that these changes occur during the “breeding season,” it isn’t only intact (not spayed or neutered) animals that may experience dramatic changes. In fact, any animal (wolf or higher content wolfdog) of any sex can experience extreme shifts as a result of hormonal fluctuations, and for some, these may begin to occur as early as October and as late as March. In order to explain how this season affects male and female wolves (and higher content wolfdogs) specifically, we’ve listed out what each sex will experience, physiologically, throughout the year. 

MALES

While male domestic dogs are able to breed all year round, male wolves (and higher content wolfdogs) are only viable during the months of January through March. As previously mentioned, it is during the months leading up to this time that male wolves’ testosterone levels begin to increase, reaching their peak during the months of December through March. It’s at this point that an animal is the most likely to demonstrate seasonal behavioral shifts, if they’re going to occur at all. Remember, though, that wolves and higher content wolfdogs generally do not reach sexual maturity until between the ages of 2 and 4 years old, meaning that an individual may not go through any shifts for the first few years of their life (which is often why it’s so alarming for owners the first time they witness it). Fortunately, once the breeding season has ended, male testosterone levels will once again begin to drop, and by spring time—just prior to when pups would normally be born—a hormone known as prolactin begins to kick in, inducing parental behavior that peaks in June and usually lasts through September. 

During this time of the year, testosterone levels are at their lowest, and male wolves (and higher content wolfdogs) are the most good-natured. 

FEMALES 

Unlike wolves (and higher content wolfdogs), most female domestic dogs will go through a heat cycle twice per year, and are capable of breeding and giving birth to their pups any month of the year, meaning they do not have a specific breeding or birthing “season”. As with male wolves (and higher content wolfdogs), females also experience an annual reproductive cycle that takes place exclusively during the breeding season (January through March). During this time, fluctuating levels of estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin affect the female’s behavior, and may make them more territorial and aggressive, or may cause them to become more clingy and affectionate to those they are most closely bonded with. Following the breeding season, pregnant females will experience a 62- to 63-day gestation period before they will finally give birth. During this time, just as it did with the males, females (even those that are spayed and not pregnant) will begin to experience an increase in parental hormones, resulting in more amicable personalities and accompanying behaviors.

Again, Seasonal Behavioral Changes are not something that will be observed in every wolf or wolfdog, but for those animals that do experience a shift, some of the most common signs of are: 

• A usually sweet, loving animal may start to shy away when you try to give it attention, or ignore you entirely. 

• It might begin to raise its lips, show you its teeth, or growl at you. 

• It might be more headstrong or defiant, demonstrating less willingness to obey commands or respect your boundaries. 

• Some animals may greet you at the gate with stiff body language (head up, hackles raised, tail up, and direct, intense eye contact). 

• Some animals may have a heightened prey drive. 

• The animal may become more possessive and might “guard” high-value resources such as bones, a favorite toy, their companion, or they might not allow you into the enclosure at all. Additionally, some animals may guard you from their companions, or attempt to keep you from leaving their enclosure.

• Some animals might become more same-sex aggressive. 

• Some may become more affectionate or clingy with one person, yet behave in the opposite manner to another. 

Some of the more dangerous displays may include:

 • Intense snarling and growling, especially with hackles up, and even directly lunging, charging, or standing up on the fence.

 • Extremely sudden changes in behavior, such as an animal that goes from standing next to you being petted, to standing with their paws on your shoulders, teeth barred, and growling in your face 

• Increased same sex aggression

• A full-blown attack 

What can we do in the face of Seasonal Behavioral Changes? 

Because there is no knowing whether an animal will demonstrate Seasonal Behavioral Changes until it happens, our motto is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. 

At the end of the day, being overly cautious with these animals—especially during this time of the year—will never be a bad thing, as it works in favor of keeping you safe. It’s also important to remain vigilant. 

Especially in a rescue setting, where some animals respond very differently toward different people, it’s import that every member of the team is watching for changes and communicating what they’re experiencing. 

While spaying and neutering animals isn’t guaranteed to stop these changes from happening, the odds are good for animals that are altered before they reach sexual maturity. 

For animals that are known to demonstrate Seasonal Behavioral Changes (specifically aggressive changes) avoid going into their enclosures alone, and always have some sort of tool with you to help create space and distance in the event that things go sideways. 

With winter on its way, and several new rescues between this winter and last, we aren’t quite sure what to expect as far as the season is concerned. But as always, we are so grateful to our Howling Supporters for trusting us to give these animals the best quality of care possible, no matter what the future has in store. More than that, we’re so thankful to know that because of you, we have the tools and resources to provide for these amazing animals in a way that is safe for us, and for them. Thank you!

Reference
Written By Brittany McDonald
Provided by Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary

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