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ORDER IN THE PACK
Order in wolf packs results from a well
developed social system. This system
establishes orderly relations among the
members of each pack and provides the
means by which activities of the entire
pack -- such as traveling, hunting and
resting can be governed.
The original alpha animals in a pack would
be the mated pair that produced the young
of which the pack is composed.
Besides the alpha pair, there may be three
other classes of wolves in well-established
packs: (1) mature subordinate animals..
(2) Outcasts, or peripheral wolves which
rank so low that they avoid the main pack
members and stay near the fringes of the
pack's social center..
(3) And Juveniles, which do not become
part of the pack nucleus until their
second year of age.
A wolf's social status may be established
early in life. Pups begin "play fighting"
with littermates when about three weeks
old. In domestic dogs, and probably wolves
too, this activity eventually results in
the formation of an order of dominance
among the littermates, the heaviest pups
usually having the greatest advantage.
However, under certain conditions, social
status can be determined in wolf pups as
early as their thirtieth day of life after
several days of serious fighting.
Dominance orders cross sexual lines in
immature animals and do not divide the
male and female orders until sexual
maturity. Even then, the alpha female may
continue to dominate most of the males.
As the mating season approaches, all
interactions between pack members become
more intense and frequent, including
friendly contacts as well as conflicts
and rivalries.
At that time, some status changes may
take place, although the basic stability
of the pack usually continues. Most
conflicts, as severe as they may be, are
solved through ritualistic threatening
and fighting, and only occasionally does
the fighting cause severe injuries. In
conflicts that do become serious, several
animals often "gang up" on one of the
wolves involved, a move that may force
quick submission with a minimum of injury.
Photo ©
Monty Sloan-The Wolf Park
Thanks to Monty Sloan for the use of his
lovely wolf pictures.
For permission to use or for more information about wolf photographs, please write Monty Sloan
Information and facts obtained from National Wildlife
Federation
Special thanks to Angie
for the lovely background. Wado sisterfriend!
Graphics ©Selkywolf's Den!
Midi: "Through Eagle Eyes" -
"Through Eagle Eyes" CD
Used with Permission
©Elan Michaels
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