Ismene's heat came early in the spring and she and Reyes officially became a mated pair, just as I hoped! With Reyes' size and skill to help them the pack has been eating well. I've seen evidence of leftovers around the territory which is good for the scavengers in the region and certain good for the expected pups!
Spring went by fast with the pack doing so well. We had an unusual opportunity in mid spring to perform a medical check-up on Ismene and performed an ultrasound while we were at it. Pups confirmed; four of them! I'm so excited.
I believe the pups have officially arrived. Timing would suggest so, and Ismene is tucked away in her den, so I think it's safe to assume. It's interesting knowing how many pups she's expecting, and I'm grateful for the opportunity but also a little scared that by the time I get a chance to see them, I'll know if any were lost. They should wean sometime over the summer--I can't wait to see them!
It took almost the entire summer for the puppies to wean and what a painful wait it was! I'm not sure I've ever spent so much time watching a hole in the ground! Actually, let's be honest, I probably do this every time the pack is expecting puppies... but it feels like a longer wait each time!
All four of the pups are alive which is a such a relief, though, of course, they're not sure to survive just yet. I still jumped on the chance to name them though--this litter is just the cutest! There are two males and two females; the largest female I named Camila. She has snow-colored fur (I haven't seen that in a long time!) with subtle gold unders like her father. The largest male is Adrian--he has that distinct howlite fur and dark, dark eyes. The smaller two pups are the real beauties. Blanca is a Chert colored female with subtle sterling markings, and Damian is a Marble colored male, also with subtle sterling markings.
Their very first meal of solid food was an elk cow and the pack finished off the entire carcass! After so many weeks of seeing the wolves leave leftovers I was a little surprised to see nothing left behind.
Kallisto, one of the pack's older wolves who was previously hunting as the sole member of beta team, now lingers behind with the pups when alpha team is hunting. She seems to have taken on the role of mentor for the pups and spends a lot of time teaching them. It's so valuable to have a pack member old enough to pass on their wisdom to the pups and not always possible for the pack, particularly one with new alphas. Kallisto's presence should benefit the pups greatly!
There is not a lot to report this autumn. The puppies are growing strong and having just reached six months old they're taking on that long and lanky look of near-adults. Kallisto has been a dedicated teacher these last couple months and now that the pups are adolescents it's time for them to take their antics along with the rest of the pack adults as they pick up on their hunting skills. They'll likely spend most of winter terrorizing their parents and aunts but hopefully it won't put too much of a strain on everyone. Just have to make it until spring and the pack will have some strong new hunters!
