It's generally known that wolf packs consist of parental wolves ("alpha" male and female) and multiple generations of their offspring. While this is true in general, it's not uncommon for unrelated wolves to join an already-formed pack. Wolf packs are often categorized as the dominant pair and subordinate non-breeding males and females. Packs can and do range from small (2-10) to large quantities--with some documented packs transcending 30+ wolves. Pack size can strengthen the family's structure, increase the probability of succeeding in hunts, and increase disease survival rate. Depending on the size, the pack can have multiple breeding pairs.
An individual wolf can even have more than one mate. This is called polyamory. One of the most popular examples of polyamorous relationships is the 06 female, AKA the most famous wolf in Yellowstone. 06 mated with brother wolves 754M and 755M. The three had an unwavering bond which was cut short when the brothers were killed, along with 06. However, despite polyamory being fairly well-documented, monogamy is the relationship between a single adult male and female wolf and the most recurrent among wild wolves. Wolves are some of the only animals that mate for life which occurs in 3% of mammal species. Wolves are also a species that alloparent, or have "assistant" wolves within the pack that supervise young pups; and a unique dynamic that has been documented in only 2% of mammals, and 9% of birds.
The term 'alpha wolf' came to light in 1947 when Rudolph Schenkel observed wolf behavior in captivity at the Zoological Garden, Basel, and documented his findings in a book called "Expressions Studies on Wolves". This book, states that the observed wolves have a "pecking order" with one dominant wolf that fights for the top and other "omega" wolves that follow and submit to the alpha. However, it has been recently discovered that Schenkel's conclusions were inaccurate. Because the animal behaviorist surveyed the wolves in captivity, it prevented the animals from behaving inherently. As stated previously, wolf packs consist of a breeding pair and their offspring. The mother and father will instinctively parent, protect, and raise their young, much like human families.
However, when wolves are placed in captivity, they are often unrelated, and thus, the myth of "the more substantial wolf will dominate the weaker, or omega wolf" comes into play. Dispersal occurs when two or more non-breeding same-sex siblings leave their natal pack to find a mate and establish territory. Wolves typically disperse when they are sexually mature at around two years of age. Dispersing wolves usually traverse 40-70 miles in search of available domains. Non-breeding males are more likely to disperse than non-breeding females. However, female wolves have a higher chance of reproducing.
Wolves communicate in various verbal, non-verbal, and body language ways. Breeding wolves communicate their rank within the pack by carrying their tail erect, which is known to communicate parental authority. When pups misbehave, dominant wolves will correct them by growling or gently nipping them. Sub-coordinate wolves behave submissively toward the breeding wolves by licking their mouths, tucking their tails, flattened ears, and vocalizations. Breeding males and females behave incredibly tender with each other, especially during the female's estrus cycle. Male wolves develop a heightened aggression during the winter months due to hormonal changes. Breeding females, however, behave more affectionately during the season. Wolf mates share an exceptionally tight-knit bond; mate for life, and produce at least one litter of pups per year. Mated wolves nibble, lick, and playfully chase each other, which indicates endearment and attachment.
