Balance:
Wolves utilize their tails for balance while running, leaping, and changing directions rapidly. The tail adds counterbalance to their bodies and aids their coordination, allowing them to effectively navigate their surroundings.
Communication:
Wolves use their tails to express various emotional states and intentions to communicate with other pack members. The position, movement, and wagging of the tail can convey information about dominance, submission, curiosity, aggression, and other social cues.
Scent marking:
Wolves have scent glands near the base of their tails. They will raise and wag their tails to release scent that serves as territorial marking and as a way to communicate with other wolves about their presence and status.
Covering:
Wolves sometimes curl up with their tails covering sensitive body parts, such as their noses, to provide extra warmth and protection from the elements.
Social display:
Wolves exhibit particular tail movements during social interactions. For instance, a low, wagging tail may indicate a friendly or playful disposition, while a raised, stiff tail often conveys dominance or aggression.
Cooling down:
Wolves might pant and swish their tails to promote cooling through evaporative heat loss, particularly during hot weather or following intense activity.