IV.

Social Structure and Behavior of Wolves

Most wolves live in packs. Parents, their young, and nonbreeding adults make up a basic pack, which generally consists of eight or fewer members. Within each pack, one hierarchy exists for females and another for males. The pack leader is called the alpha male, and his mate is the alpha female. These two animals occupy the dominant rank in their respective hierarchies and are usually the oldest members of the pack. The alpha maintains its status by winning fights, and changes to lower-ranking positions are infrequent. Young pups remain somewhat outside the social hierarchies until they reach maturity.

Wolves communicate with visual signals, scent, and sound. They also exhibit behavioral patterns that show dominance over or submission to one another. Body language makes it clear which animal has higher rank. Tail position and bared teeth convey various moods and attitudes, including submission, fear, and a readiness to attack. Scent signals are also used in communication. A pack establishes and defends its territory by marking it with urine and feces. Communal howling is an important social activity and may serve to assemble pack members, communicate with other packs, maintain territorial claims, or express pleasure. It is also used as a hunting cry, frequently sounded at dusk in preparation for the chase.