Alpha Male & Female (Leaders)
The Alphas are the most dominate and respected wolves of the pack. If these two Alphas are not given the respect that they deserve, they will demand it, and if it comes to fighting, so be it, for disrespect will not be tolerated. If these two Alphas see that another wolf is not getting respect that they deserve, then they will see that that wolf does get the respect that he or she deserves. The Alphas try to know what has been going on between members of the pack and, moreover, between members of other packs; they try to "keep up with the times." Alphas have the final say in all decisions, and it is their duty to do what is good for the pack. Even in personal decisions, they must do what is best for the pack. This includes hearing the opinions of all the others and making a decision based on all circumstances. They usually decide what goes on at any given time in a pack: hunting, exploring, meetings, etc. These two are the most responsible and reliable wolves of the pack. The female is in charge of females, and the male is in charge of the males; however, both Alphas will be equally respected by all wolves, regardless of gender, age, pack, etc.

Beta Male & Female (Secondary Leaders)
The Betas in a wolf pack play a very similar role as the Alphas. Betas are usually looked upon as second in command, taking over while the alphas are not present. They are able to make the same decisions and have the same amount of respect as the alphas. They answer to no one but their Alphas. While the Alphas are present, Betas are mostly used to settle minor jobs or disputes.

Delta (Messenger) {either gender}
They deserve respect and hold a high rank among the pack. They are generally swift on their paws and hold great endurance and can run long distances. They can go to any of the parklands without a rude welcome if they have a message to deliver. They may greet wolves at the borderline, though they hold no say in acceptance and rejection unless the Alphas choose from them to do so.

Gammas (Peacemakers) {either gender}
They hold good social skills and boost the moral of their fellow pack mates. Normally they have a great sense of humor and like to joke around. Sometimes they are viewed as unintelligent, though normally this is untrue. They are the last of the high rankings and also deserve respect. They, like the Delta, may greet newcomers at the border; though hold no say in judgment.

Eta (Advisor) {either gender}
Generally this wolf is greatly trusted by the Alphas and is a true friend of them. They advise the Alphas on choices for the pack and sometimes hear secrets from other pack Members. They are good at keeping things to themselves and are sometimes quiet. They have been in the pack for quite some time normally and are very trustworthy. They may greet wolves at the borders and advise the Alphas in acceptance in rejection. The Alphas may choose not to listen though generally they do.

Kappa (Guard) {either gender}
This wolf is skilled in protection and defense and sometimes fighting. Sometimes they can be bigger than the average wolf- though it is not a requirement. They are responsible for the pack's safety. The Guard does greet wolves at the border.

Espion (Spies) {either gender}
These wolves must be fleet-footed, stealthy, and quiet. A wolf of medium to small size is better, and some skill in fighting is essential. Their job is to invade other packs' territory unseen and gather confidential information from the pack, then report it back to their alpha(s). It is not a job for the faint-hearted -- if they are captured by the enemy pack, they may receive serious injuries, and depending on the circumstances may be moved to Omega position.

Rho (Lead Hunter) {either gender}
This wolf is generally the most skilled wolf at hunting and aids the Alphas in deciding hunt dates and where the hunt should be held. They have command over the Thetas. This wolf does greet wolves at the border.

Thetas (Hunters) {either gender}
The third best hunters of the pack aside from the Alpha and Rho, this trio helps plan pack hunts and strategies for hunting. All new wolves start out as hunters(in my pack, not in real life). You can be downgraded to the Omega if you cause problems.

Pup Sitters {either gender} This wolf cares for the pups when their parents(or guardians) are too busy. They are respected by the other wolves, though many think that they are not as important. Most often, they are female, though they can be male. This wolf does not greet wolves at the border

Pups {either gender}

Any wolf under the age of 77 days.

This wolf is highly respected, and wise. They often advise the alphas, though they do not have the position of Eta. They are present at the birth of any pup, and assist in the naming of this pup. Some of these wolves are seers, which comes in handy during time of war. This wolf does greet wolves at the border.

Omega (on the edge of Banishment) {either gender}
This wolf is the lowest ranking. If a wolf is having bad luck, the wolf may take it out on the Omega. This wolf is always last to eat and sometimes has done something to the pack or offended the Alphas. These wolves do not greet wolves at the borders.

Hierarchy

Alphas:

The Alphas are the most dominate and respected wolves of the pack. If these two Alphas are not given the respect that they deserve, they will demand it, and if it comes to fighting, so be it, for disrespect will not be tolerated. If these two Alphas see that another wolf is not getting respect that they deserve, then they will see that that wolf does get the respect that he or she deserves. The Alphas try to know what has been going on between members of the pack and, moreover, between members of other packs; they try to "keep up with the times." Alphas have the final say in all decisions, and it is their duty to do what is good for the pack. Even in personal decisions, they must do what is best for the pack. This includes hearing the opinions of all the others and making a decision based on all circumstances. They usually decide what goes on at any given time in a pack: hunting, exploring, meetings, etc. These two are the most responsible and reliable wolves of the pack. The female is in charge of females, and the male is in charge of the males; however, both Alphas will be equally respected by all wolves, regardless of gender, age, pack, etc.

Betas:

The Betas in a wolf pack play a very similar role as the Alphas. Betas are usually looked upon as second in command, taking over while the alphas are not present. They are able to make the same decisions and have the same amount of respect as the alphas. They answer to no one but their Alphas. While the Alphas are present, Betas are mostly used to settle minor jobs or disputes.

Elders:

The Elders of the pack are usually the oldest, wisest, and most experienced wolves in the pack. The elders are usually wolves that have the ability to be high ranking. They are constantly looked to for advice, even by the alphas and betas. They are highly respected wolves. The elders know the packs history and are often the storytellers. Their job is to keep records of all the recent events going on in the clearing, along with getting their hands on any pieces of art, poems, stories a wolf might come up with and keep a log of it for future reference, or just to keep as part of the heart of the pack.

Guardians:

The Guardians are a larger branch, usually consisting of a few wolves. Their job is to watch over the clearing, and the wolves in it. They are usually the bigger, stronger, and more loyal wolves to the pack. Their job is to greet visitors, as well as chase them away if there seems to be a threat.

Hunters:

The hunters are very similar to the Guardians being the larger and stronger wolves. These wolves have been given the job of hunting for food to feed the pack. Usually they bring along other pack members acting as mentors, teaching and helping them to hunt. This is one of the most valuable positions as these wolves keep the pack alive and healthy.

Shamans:

A wolf that shows interest and skill in caring for weakened pack mates. The Shaman of the Pack ensures when any wolf is wounded, they recover properly not putting to much stress on their wounds. They also watch over the older or ill wolves of the Pack. They serve as a doctor, and try to keep the pack in a healthy state. Shamans make sure that no wolf over exerts themselves before, during, or after hunts.

Scouts:

Scouts are responsible for warning the Pack of dangerous territory outside the clearing, if any. Scouts are mainly wolves known by neighboring packs and visit around often. They stay in touch with other packs and keep friendly relations. They are to report any important changes to the Alpha and Beta. These include: if a new Pack is formed; Scouts are to find out who is the Alpha or Alphas and if the Pack is peaceful. Another change includes the banishment of a certain wolf; Scouts are to find out who was banished from where and why.

Pack Members:

Not all wolves hold positions, either for being new additions to the pack or not having defined their abilities yet. The Alpha(s) take great care in selection of which position a wolf will be allowed to maintain. As the pack members gain time in the pack, their actions will dictate if they are to be advanced.

Omegas:

The Omega of the pack is lowest ranking wolf, only higher then the pups. The Omega is usually a wolf that is either very new to pack life and still learning or a wolf that has been lowered in rank due to wrong actions. They are usually given the responsibilities of 'puppy-sitter', watching over the cubs during group hunts and making sure they don't wander into the forest. The Omega may even growl or nip at the learning pups, teaching them the Way of the Pack and their place within the hierarchy. Ironically, other adult wolves may growl or nip at the Omega in the same manner for the same reasons. Still what seems to be 'bullying' is much more complicated than it appears. If a pack's survival depends on the acceptance of hierarchy, then it is crucial to learn this well and early.

Pups:

Normally, only the alphas will mate and produce pups. Packs often will adopt pups that wander into a clearing. Many lone pups have become lost from their packs, wandered off, or due to packs fighting each other have lost their parents. Others have been burned out of their clearings all adult pack killed or hunters killing them off. Some escape from human captivity to return to the wild and will wander into a pack's territory. Some will be allowed to remain while others will be chased off or killed. Pups are not allowed on hunts until around 6 months of age and then only when accompanied by the packs hunters or their parents.

Assessments:

Assessments are wolves that have wandered into a clearing often searching for a home. These wolves must prove themselves worthy to become a part of a pack. Some wolves will never make it into assessment and others that have been accepted as assessment may end up being driven from the pack and the clearing. Each pack has its own requirements for being accepted.

Sister Packs:

Some packs will claim another pack as a part of their extended family. Each is a separate pack guided by their own alphas and betas. These packs will come together when one or the other is in danger or needing help. Often these packs will be seen visiting in each others clearings, helping with pups, hunting, giving guidance and assistance where needed. Both packs will help the other defend its home when necessary. The alphas and betas are given the respect befitting their position when visiting.

Honored Guests:

These are wolves who are trusted friends of the pack, or members of the sister pack

The Strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the Strength of the Wolf is the Pack.
-Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book, 1894

ALPHA (AL-fuh)

BETA (BAY-tuh)

GAMMA (GAM-uh)

DELTA (DEL-tuh)

EPSILON (EP-sil-on)

ZETA (ZAY-tuh)

ETA (AY-tuh)

THETA (THAY-tuh)

IOTA (eye-OH-tuh)

KAPPA (KAP-uh)

LAMBDA (LAM-duh)

MU (MYOO)

NU (NOO)

XI (KS-EYE)

OMICRON (OM-i-KRON)

PI (PIE)

RHO (ROW)

SIGMA (SIG-muh)

TAU (TAU)

UPSILON (OOP-si-LON)

PHI (FEE)

CHI (K-EYE)

PSI (SIGH)

OMEGA (oh-MAY-guh)

(1) The wolf (Canis lupus ) Order: Carnivore, Family: Canidae

(2) The wolf is the largest in the wild canine family

(3) The coyote evolved separately from the wolf over 500,000 years ago

(4) The wolf has 42 teeth

(5) The wolf has rounded ears

(6) The wolf has a broad heavy muzzle

(7) The wolf has extremely powerful jaws capable of generating 1,500 psi pressure

(8) The wolf has one of the widest ranges of size, shape and color of any mammal in North America

(9) The wolf lives in a pack, family oriented social structure

10) Mating season for the wolf occurs in February and March.

11) The gestation period for the wolf is 63 days

(12) Wolf pups are born in April and May

(13) The average litter size for the wolf is 4 to 7 pups

(14) Litter size for the wolf depends on nutrition factors as well as fitness of the female

(15) Mortality rates for wolf pups can be as high as 50%

(16) Wolves have a vast communication repertoire including scent marks, vocalizations, visual displays, facial and body postures and rituals

(17) Wolves communicate with each other more by harmony and integration rather than by aggression and submission

(18) Wolves are territorial and defend their territory through vocalizations and scent marking

(19) If necessary, wolves will attack other wolf intruders to protect their territory

(20) There are two species of the wolf in North America, the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus ) and the Red Wolf (Canis rufus )

(21) In North America there are 10 recognized sub-species of the wolf

(22) The main threat to wolf populations is loss of habitat

(23) Predation is not violence, it is the act of obtaining food for survival

(24) The wolf is an ultimate predator at the top of the food chain

(25) The wolf is designed for running, catching and killing large animals

(26) The wolf is opportunistic and will attempt to catch the easiest and most vulnerable animal

(27) The wolf can kill healthy animals but naturally seeks out the sick, the weak, crippled, old and young animals

(28) The wolf primarily travels at a 5 mile per hour trot

(29) In chases, the wolf can achieve estimated speeds of between 28 and 40 miles per hour for up to 20 minutes

(30) Radio tracking wolves has been used in wildlife research since 1963

(31) Wolves are vulnerable to skull injury from kicking prey

(32) The canine teeth "interlock" so the wolf can grip and hang on to struggling prey

(33) The back teeth, or carnassials molars, are designed to crush bones and shear meat

(34) The wolf uses facial display in ritual aggression, dominance, submission or fear

(35) The wolf has 2 types of hair, "Guards and "Undercoat"

(36) The hair of the wolf is shed in the spring and summer and sheds out in sheets unlike most dogs

(37) The color of a wolf's pelt can be anywhere from white to black

(38) The wolf uses its hair to communicate anger, dominance and aggression

(39) The wolf's sense of smell is more than 100 times greater than a human

(40) A wolf 'scent rolls' to promote interaction with other pack members

(41) Dominance in a wolf pack is not necessarily established by brawn or direct attack

(42) A wolf 'scent marks' its home range. This serves as messages, and provides warnings

(43) The hierarchy in a wolf pack neutralizes aggression, reduces conflict and promotes social order

(44) There are two hierarchies in a wolf pack, one for females and one for males

(45) Change of rank in a wolf pack is more frequent in lower rank positions

(46) Wolf pups, while low in hierarchy, have many privileges and social freedom

(47) 'Ethnology' is the study of animal behavior as a scientific counterpart to human psychology

(48) The "Alpha" wolf is the highest ranking individual within the dominance hierarchy

(49) "You just can't let nature run wild" by Alaska Governor Walter J. Hickel

(50) The "beta" wolf is the second ranking individual within the dominance hierarchy

(51) The "omega" wolf is the lowest ranking individual within the dominance hierarchy

(52) In the winter, the wolf's tail helps keep the face warm

(53) Wolves breed only once a year; most dogs breed twice

(54) In addition to the wolf (Canis lupus ), the genus Canis also contains the domestic dog, the coyote, the golden jackal, the black backed jackal, the side-striped jackal and the dingo

(55) Three (3) geographic races of the red wolf have been recognized; the Florida Red Wolf, The Mississippi Red Wolf and the Texas Red Wolf

(56) Wolves are often confused with Indian dogs, huskies, malamutes and German Shepherd Dogs

(57) Arctic tundra, taiga, plains or steppes, savannahs, hardwood, softwood and mixed forest were all originally inhabited by the wolf

(58) Adult male wolves average ninety-five to one hundred pounds and females about fifteen pounds less

(59) Wolves howl to greet one another, to indicate their location, to define their territorial boundaries, and to call the pack together

(60) Wolves can trot at five to ten miles per hour almost indefinitely

(61) A wolf may spend as much as a third of its time on the move

(62) The wolf is generally a docile animal with a strong aversion to fighting

(63) Submissive behavior plays a big role in maintaining peace within the pack

(64) A wolf's front feet are larger than their back feet

(65) Packs hunt in territories of up to 600 square miles

(66) A pack's home range will sometimes overlap the territory of another pack

(67) In addition to howling, wolves bark, yap, whine, and growl

(68) Litters of up to 14 pups are born in April through June

(69) Pups emerge from the den at about one month of age

(70) All members of a wolf pack take part in caring for the young

(71) When pack members return from the hunt and they are nipped on the snout by the pups, the hunters regurgitate undigested meat for them

(72) Wolves are considered to be competitors with people for game animals such as moose and caribou

(73) Although wolves are feared throughout much of the world, documented attacks on people are extremely rare

(74) Attempts to keep wolves as pets are not usually successful

(75) Wolves use direct scenting, chance encounter, and tracking to locate prey

(76) In scenting an animal, wolves must usually be downwind of the prey

(77) Wolves are active at all times of the day in winter

(78) Where waterways are plentiful, wolves often travel on the windswept and hard packed ice in winter

(79) Wolves actually have a low hunting success rate

(80) To catch enough food, wolves must hunt often and test many animals before finding one that they can catch and kill

(81) Most packs contain less than eight members

(82) Wolves bear an average of six young per litter(82) Wolves become sexually mature at approximately twenty-two months

(83) Strong bonds are needed to hold a pack together; if there were no bonds, each wolf would go its separate way

(84) Most packs include a pair of breeding adults, pups, and extra adults that may also breed

(85) Ambushing is used by both single wolves and by packs

(86) Wolves at one time had an extensive range, occurring throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Japan

(87) The only substantial population of wolves left at present in the contiguous 48 states inhabits northern Minnesota

(88) The range of the red wolf once extended from eastern Texas to Georgia and Florida and northward through Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Illinois

(89) The basic unit of wolf society is the pack

(90) The wolf's front teeth are sharp and pointed and adapted to puncturing, slashing, and clinging

(91) The wolf's pointed premolars and molars are useful for tearing and shearing once the prey has been killed

(92) The wolf's massive rear molars aid in cracking and crushing bones

(93) The wolf does little chewing

(94) A wolf can consume almost twenty pounds of prey at a feeding

(95) Wolves can maintain a chase for at least twenty minutes

(96) The wolf feeds almost exclusively on flesh, bones, and other animal matter

(97) Lone wolves have no social territory and rarely scent-mark or howl

(98) The range size for a given pack of wolves depends on many environmental factors, particularly prey density

(99) It is common for wolves to be moving eight to ten hours in a day

(100) A pack may cover distances from 30-125 miles in a day

(101) Wolves possess upwards of two hundred million olfactory cells

(102) A wolf's tail hangs while the tail of the dog tends to be held high and is often curly