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The Wolf Pack

This Science Minute was researched and written by Kelly C., Ithaca.

A wolf howls in the distance. From the hills to the right of you two more wolves start to sing. Three more joyous howls come from behind you. This must be a pack, but why? Why do wolves like in packs?

Wolves live in packs for a variety of reasons. One, wolves hunt large animals and it is easier to overpower them when there are more wolves. Second, it is easier and safer to care for the wolf cubs. Also, wolves are social and enjoy each other’s company. Last, but not least, pack life is good for defending the territory of the pack. That is very important because a single back can have eighty to one hundred square miles of territory.

So, who are the pack leaders; who plays what role? Let’s start from the top; packs are usually made up of parents, young pups, and their older brothers and sisters. The rulers of the pack are called the alphas. There are two alphas, a male and a female. These wolves are usually the only ones who are allowed to mate. Alphas have full power over all the other members of the pack.

Next is the beta, which can be male or female. The beta is third in command. If something happened to an alpha, the beta would most likely take its place. The rest of the pack is typically young ones, one to four years old. Last on the totem pole is the omega, which can be either gender. The omega is pushed around and serves as a stress reliever and instigator of play.

A wolf howls in the distance. The pack is moving and the alphas are ruling.