Wolves - Playing

PL - Play:
Body may be alert but relaxed, mouth may be open and tongue may be hanging out of mouth. Ears are alert; tail is wagging. Usually the subordinate wolf performs a play bow to a higher-ranking wolf, where the body is bent so that the rib cage is near or touching the ground. The elbows can be tucked up near the front of the body or stretched out. Hind legs are usually straight so that the rump is raised in the air and the tail is waging. Activities can include, but is not limited to, chasing another wolf, tug-o-war, mock fights, ambushing and temporary role reversals. An example of role reversal would include the alpha wolf allowing the beta wolf to chase it, then switching so that the alpha chases the beta. All activities must have either tail wagging or a “ play face ” where the mouth slightly open with the corners turned up and the ears are foreword. Begins either when a play bow is performed, the tail is wagging or the wolf is presenting a “ play face ”. Tongue may hang out of the mouth. Ends when tail is no longer wagging or if another behavior begins.

Behaviors from my ethogram