With prey like moose, Deer or roe deer is still the territory size of a wolf pack 100 to 200 Square kilometre – that is as big as the entire Bavarian Forest National Park. Wolves cannot always and everywhere defend such an area against intruders. But they can leave their mark here, the say, that this station is occupied. The adult males in particular raise their leg at every opportunity and mark their claim to this area with urine splashes. American researchers have found, that wolves mostly wander along their territory borders and mark a lot here. Of course, the wolves from neighboring areas do the same. Real "well-trodden" boundary markings run through the landscape, where the wolves howl particularly often.
So what are border posts and barriers along the borders with us, are scent marks with urine splashes on wolves, the – as well as borders – cannot be easily exceeded. Most of them are young wolves, invading a neighboring territory – in search of better hunting grounds, for a partner or maybe just out of curiosity. Everything goes well most of the time, because the district owners may be on the road elsewhere. But if the intruder is discovered, the attack follows immediately. Especially the senior male is angry. Together with the other adult members of the pack, he throws himself uncontrollably at the intruder. Can't he save himself by fleeing?, kill him on the spot and – should they be hungry – eat him up.
During the chase, some particularly aggressive young males invade the foreign territory, where they will be attacked immediately. Then reinforcements came from both sides, and everything looks very menacing. Only good, that wolves are basically cowards therefore are downright “border wars”, as we know them from humans, Rare. The wolves usually limit themselves to wild threatening appearances at a safe distance. Nevertheless, a great resemblance between wolf and human becomes clear here as well. As big game hunters, both species live in groups in a common hunting ground, which they resolutely defend against rivals.
Why wolves (like dogs) love to wallow in foul-smelling things, it is unknown. Maybe they want to camouflage themselves for hunting or keep ticks off their necks.