Wolves function as social predators. Because of this they hunt in packs, which are organized according to strict, rank-oriented social hierarchies. It was first thought that this orginization had more to do with hunting success, and this may be true to a certain extent, but new theories suggest that it has less to do with hunting and more to do with reproductive success.

The pack is led by the alpha pair, alpha male and the alpha female, only one of which can be on the "top". They have the highest amount of social freedom compared to the rest of the pack, but they are not "leaders" as humans would call it. Alphas do not give orders. Instead, they simply have the most freedom in choosing where to go, what to do, and when to do it. Because wolves possess strong instincts for fellowship, the rest of the pack usually follows. While most alpha pairs are monogamous with eachother, there are exceptions. An alpha may mate with a lower-ranking animal, especially if the other alpha is closely related. Usually only the alpha pair is able to successfully raise a litter of pups.

The size of the pack may change over time, and can contain 2-20 wolves. This can be influenced by habitat, food supply, and the personalities of individual wolves.

The hierachy of the pack is controlled and maintained constantly by aggressive and elaborate displays of dominance and submission. In larger packs especially, there may also be a beta wolf, a "second in command". They usually serve as surrogate mothers or fathers for the alpha pair's pups. The lowest in the hierarchy is the omega.

A traveling wolf pack, with the alphas in the front and the omega in the rear

© Created By Jennifer Marie McCoy 12/08/06