Wolves use body language (the way the present themselves) to communicate, this way another wolf will know exactly what they are thinking. For example when a kill is made the two alpha wolves eat first, a lower ranking wolf will come in lowering it body, ears laid back.It is, in effect asking for permission to feed. They also use a varity of sounds to show their moods.

Here are some other examples of Sounds and Body postures:

Sounds

*Bark - Loud welcoming gesture. Can be playful, serious or even chastising.

*Chuff - Soft, under the breath bark. Playful but mostly affectionate.

*Yip/Yap - High Pitched bark common to puppies.

*Woof - Low, deep bark common to older wolves.

*Murr - Romantic sound between mates. Likened to a purr.

*Griggle - Distinct wolf laughter, a mix of a giggle and a non-threatening growl.

*Whimper - Sad, high pitched sound. Often in pain.

*Whine - Fearful or sad gesture. Also a sign of submission.

*Yelp - Short high pitched whine of shock or pain.

*Yawn - Sounds a bit like an elongated growl.

*Growl - Infamous sound, usually shows anger or dominance. Threatening but can also be used playfully

*Snarl - Extremely angry and threatening growl, throaty and final.

*Howl - Continuous echo. Used to call wolves together and communicate over long distances, howling is a bonding sound, somtimes accompanying a kill, it is a sound that is often used to strengthen bonds within the pack

Actions

*Pad - Slow walk. Named for the pads of a wolf's paw.

*Pounce - Playful gesture of bouncing toward another wolf, often landing with front legs bended.

*Tackle - Typical result of pouncing. Jumping on another to playfully (or angrily) take them down.

*Sniff - A normal greeting and way of gaining more information about a wolf.

*Nuzzle - Affectionate gesture of greeting, respect and affection

*Lick - Affectionate gesture between relations.

*Slurp - Affectionate, lengthy lick that leaves LOTS of slobber.

*Nibble - Playful gesture of chewing on another wolf. Usually ears, tail or paws.

*Chase - Playful or angry gesture. Also done during hunting.

*Hunt - A survival act. The circle of life, the food chain. Hunting and killing an animal for food.

*Tail Wag - One of many tail positions described below. Friendly and welcoming.

Postures - Tail

*Tail held high in the air indicates the wolf is the dominant wolf, most likely an alpha.

*Stiff horizontal tail indicates that the wolf is going to attack, is hunting, is angry or is annoyed.

*A wagging tail indicates that the wolf is relaxed and even happy.

*A half drooped tail indicates the wolf is relatively relaxed.

*Fully dropped tails show that the wolf is even more relaxed, very calm.

*A half tucked tail comes with a partially arched back. Submission and humility to another.

*A fully tucked tail comes with highly arched back and shows extreme fear.

Tail Position and Description:

1-The tail is held erect and high. This signifies a leadership role. The alpha male and the alpha female are the ones that normally hold their tail in this position. This is also a sign of confidence.

2-Attack arousal. The wolf is not sure what is going to happen, but is taking a posture that can be either offensive or defensive. This is a "ready for aggression" posture.

3-Imposing attitude with sideways brushing. The wolf holding its tail like this is a confident animal.

4-Normal tail position. This is a common tail position when the wolf is eating or observing. It shows interest in something.

5-Very relaxed position. This occurs in a situation when there is no social pressure.

6-Submissive position. This position indicates to other wolves that no aggressive behavior is fourth coming.

7-An extreme sign of submission and/or fear.

Postures - Body

*Body low/crouching is a sign of sneakiness and is common during hunting and attacking.

*Body tight and turned with a snarl is used when a wolf is defensive or feeling threatened.

*Laying on the ground, underbelly exposed indicated passive submission.

*Body low to the ground, head kept below another wolf's shows active submission.

*Body relaxed and running is just playful. Body tight, tail tucked while running shows fear.

*Front legs bent, rear body still in the air shows playfulness and often an impending pounce.

*Front of body extended but tail tucked and back arched shows fear and aggressiveness at once.