Disease, skeletal injury and trauma as possible behavior modifiers in the fossil dire wolf Canis dirus (Canidae: Carnivora) from Rancho La Brea, California

Mammalian bone responds in a predictive and descriptive manner to disease, skeletal injury and trauma. By identifying the pathologies and the extent of the remodeling of the skeleton, inferences can be made about the role of pathology as an agent of behavior modification in the fossil wolf, Canis dirus.; The Rancho La Brea Canis dirus specimens from the George C. Page Museum collection provide a large comparative osteology data base (4,000 specimens) from which to extrapolate new knowledge and information concerning the role of pathology in fossil wolf ecology and ethology. An interdisciplinary approach to data interpretation will broaden our understanding of the effects of injury and stress in fossil animals.; Using grey wolves (Canis lupus) as an analog establishes many similarities between the two species and indicates that dire wolf sociability, pack behavior, and adaptability to physical stress may be comparable with that of modern wolves. The conditions observed on the dire wolf bones from Rancho La Brea are consistant with those found on modern wolves received either from pack conflict or interaction with large pre animals.; Modern wolves have an intricate and subtle communication system and pack dynamics. When they experience behavior change, for whatever reason, there can be long-lasting repercussions for both the individual and the pack. During these stressful episodes, individuals may be ostracized, disciplined severely, or killed. The role of pathology as an agent of stress and modifier of behavior in fossil wolves is intriguing.