A First Case Report Of A Wolf Pup’s Responses To A Mirror

Mirrors are an efficient tool for assessing a wide range of cognitive abilities in different species, either as a problem-solving tool or for self-recognition. Research on mirrors with canids is limited, with the existing studies focusing on domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and adult wolves (Canis lupus). Despite the central role of visual communication for the species, a recent study showed that wolves over 14 years old do not react to mirrors. Reports exist of dogs under three months old reacting to their reflection, but there are no data on how wolf pups react to mirrors. Given the close genetic relationship between dogs and wolves, it is relevant to document whether wolf pups will respond to their reflection. Therefore, the response to a mirror of a captive wolf (C. l. occidentalis) less than three months old was observed over four acclimation sessions with a covered reflective surface and six sessions with an uncovered mirror. The pup initially reacted to her reflection with a flight response. A behavioral change was documented over the sessions, with responses ranging from anxiety and fear avoidance to interest and relaxation. Throughout the observations, the intensity of her negative reactions decreased, and her interest and relaxation periods in the mirror increased overall. She maintained targeted interactions, presenting a more confident stance with focused paw testing and sniffing at the reflective surface. Further replication with a larger sample will certainly provide a better understanding of how wolves react to mirrors, but the present case report is the first to document a wolf pup's reaction to its mirror image.