Post by »MISK on Feb 3, 2010 17:11:59 GMT -5
Pack Hierarchy
The Alpha Pair - Sometimes referred to as the breeding pair, the alpha pair consists of a male and a female wolf. These are the two wolves which will, generally, mate and produce offspring. It is common behavior in a wolf pack for the alpha pair to be the only two to mate. It keeps the numbers under control, for too many wolves in the pack, especially puppies, would be a liability. These are the two top-ranking wolves in the pack, and they are dominant over all other wolves in the pack. They often (but not always) direct the activities of the pack.
The Beta Pair - These are the highest ranking wolves among the subordinates. They are second in command to the alpha's, and although competition is prevalent and the drive to become the alpha can burn fiercely in the hearts of certain wolves, the good of the pack and the family is more important then anything. Certain duties for the beta pair include patrolling the territory, taking care of the pups, and overall maintaining peace and order within the pack.
Subordinates - These would include the other wolves in the pack who are subservient to the alpha pair, also known as the pack members. They respect the higher ranked wolves and are the members of the pack that do as they are told. Mainly their duty is to hunt and fight for the pack, as well as take care of the newborn pups.
Juveniles - These would be young wolves that have not yet secured themselves a position within the pack's hierarchy. However, young wolf pups will "play-fight" and this often results in the formation of a dominance hierarchy among the juveniles.
Omegas - Many wolf packs contain one or a few omega wolves which may be appear to be mistreated by other pack members. Such wolves often avoid the other members of the pack and may be ambushed by other pack members should they try to approach the pack. This is the lowest position of a wolf pack, and is not to be respected. A pack member usually becomes an omega when they have done something bad or wrong.
Pups - Wolf pups are born in late winter and early spring. Pups weigh about a pound at birth and grow rapidly, gaining about three pounds per week for the first three months. Pups reach nearly full size in time to run with the pack as winter approaches. Young wolves are naturally curious, bold, and aggressive, which is important as they start to explore their world and form relationships within the pack. Puppies develop and maintain their own “pup hierarchy,” and their ranks are established early. Although adult wolves compete with one another while feeding, they allow pups to eat without confrontation until they reach adolescence. From then on, they must compete as well, eventually finding their place in the adult pack hierarchy.
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