It is a well documented fact that the seasons dictate the way Golden Wolves live.  Although Golden Wolves are not known for being migratory animals, migration is an important behavioral strategy used to enhance our survival during the hot Summer months. Therefore, Asa and I have no choice but to follow our instincts and begin our Summer migration.

During the Summer we plan our activities to avoid the heat of the day.  Thus our day begins early, often at sunrise, with our neighborhood patrol.  This way we can avoid the hot pavement, and be home before things really heat up.  During the Summer our range is also much smaller, with an average distance of 3 miles, sometimes less.  Upon completion of patrolling our territory, we return to our den and spend the morning napping on the cool tile of the kitchen floor.

However, regular travel through our home range is a constant for Golden Wolves.  We are highly social animals that live in a pack.  So when the tile begins to warm and Asa grows restless, we move upstairs to be with our pack leader, Dad, in the air conditioned office.  We have been known to spend entire days in this area.  It is important to note though that understanding the dynamic of human-wildlife interaction is crucial for the management of these close quarters.  One barking fit at a Squirrel outside our window while Dad is trying to think, or an ill-timed wrestling match with Asa during an important conference call, and we are quickly banished to the kitchen.

Golden Wolves are highly territorial animals, and we do not want interlopers to invade our neighborhood while we are in the house.  Therefore in the evening when the sun is setting and temperatures are cooling, our pack leader leashes us up one more time.  We like to finish our day with a short walk to stretch our legs and remind our neighbors that they are safe under our watch.  Then we settle in front of our fan in our air conditioned den, and sleep.

The Summer migration patterns of Golden Wolves is a striking behavioral strategy to enhance our survival.  By studying the activities of their Wolves, wildlife managers can anticipate the movements of their Wolf packs, and establish a cohesive summertime living environment.