Some of my favorite moments are when I am watching animals interact. The bear ( taken at the North American Bear Center outside of Ely, Mn.) is actually being weighed at the same time this photo is being taken. They have been conditioned to go to certain areas in the enclosure for treats and scales have been buried under the dirt.  Because she has been slowly acclimated to the people in the window, she can eat without stress or uncertainty.. The staff is also able to perform exams and give medications in the same manner.

Animals have stress, just like people do, but they react to it differently. The wolf in front ( her name was Maya.. she has since passed away, but was an incredible example of leadership by example) is actually  a bit annoyed by Denali, the reddish male behind her.. As the only female in the pack, she is by default the dominant female.. he is the lowest ranking male and is just nudging her with his foot.. She is showing her angst by having what's called "Airplane ears" ears are to the side ( versus his are upright) Now, she could be baring teeth, or chasing him, but she makes her point by her ear posture. Wild animals are constantly communicating with their body posture and , in the case of wolf packs, the "stress" of dominance issues are being relieved on a daily basis.  It's rare to have huge disputes among members.. Denali eventually leaves.. He's not getting a very strong response, and gets bored .. which means Maya won.. no blood shed, no growling .. just quiet success and status maintained for both. Hard to tell from the photo, but Maya was about 85 pounds.. Denali was about 120. The biggest is not always the leader, but size is not a factor in dominance or leadership.. The best suited gets the job.. Wolves can get into a very loud and seemingly dangerous fight for status one  minute, and the next, the same two can be sleeping next to each other calmly and with no  issues. They make their point and the matter is settled until the next time. The conflicts doesn't get a chance to build over long periods as they are always subtly communicating with all the members.. Humans could learn a thing or two from wild animals when it comes to stress management. Open communication and effective leadership go a long way to determining how successful the pack is, and they work as a unit for food safety and pup care. (it takes a pack, er I mean a village?:-))
They release their stress as it happens.. not letting it build and suffering damaging cumulative effects like humans tend to..They also don't do things like binge eating, or other unhealthy activities.. in fact the are more likely to pace or exercise to relieve stress. ( great idea.. why didn't I think of that!)
NO their life is not easy or stress free, but  wolves and other animals seem to instinctively know how to dissipate stress before it hinders their health and ability to survive. I wonder if they meditate????

Andi