Social Play in Captive Wolves (Canis lupus): Not Only an Immature Affair

This study investigates the social play behavior of captive wolves (Canis lupus) and challenges the notion that play is only an immature behavior. The author observes and records the social play behavior of wolves in captivity and analyzes the data to determine the frequency, duration, and types of play behavior exhibited by the wolves. The study finds that social play is not limited to immature wolves, but is also exhibited by adult wolves, and that the frequency and duration of play behavior is influenced by social factors such as dominance and familiarity. The study concludes that social play is an important component of wolf behavior, and that it serves a variety of functions, including social bonding, communication, and stress reduction.