Wolf Pack Ranks, Roles & Order | Wolves Hierarchy (2023)

Misfit Animals is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn More.

A wolf pack lives in a structured hierarchy with the following ranks: alpha, beta, mid-rank, and omega. Different ranks have different roles.

Wolves are extremely social animals. They live in wolf packs with a leader and different ranking “subordinates”. The leader is the alpha wolf.

All the wolves beneath the alpha answer to the wolf in charge.

Depending on their specific rank, they’ll have different tasks they’re in charge of.

In this article, we’ll discuss each wolf pack rank in detail, and explain how wolves behave depending on their role in the pack.

Ranks in a Wolf Pack

Wolf Pack Ranks, Roles & Order | Wolves Hierarchy (1)

There are four main ranks in a wolf pack: alpha, beta, mid-rank, and omega. Each position has a specific role in the pack hierarchy.

A wolf pack consists of anywhere from 2 to 20 wolves. The average wolf pack has 6 to 8 members.

The pack consists of the following ranks:

  • Alpha
  • Beta
  • Mid-rank
  • Omega

The alpha wolf is the wolf in charge, also known as the breeding wolves. There’s typically always an alpha male and a female, which is a breeding couple of the pack.

The beta wolf is second in command to the alpha wolf; they help protect the pack and work as enforcers. When the alpha is out, the beta is in charge of keeping the pack in line.

Mid-rank wolves aren’t as strong as alphas but also not as weak as omegas. This is where the majority of wolves are found and include elders as well. These wolves will help take care of and protect, wolf pups.

(Video) Do you know how the wolf pack is arranged?

The omega wolf is the lowest ranking wolf of them all, and will generally stay on the outskirts of the pack. They don’t have any authority and will be picked on by the rest of the pack.

The lower-ranked wolves will act submissively toward the higher-ranked wolves. It’s important for wolves to have a clear hierarchy, as it provides order. [1]

Alpha Wolves

Wolf Pack Ranks, Roles & Order | Wolves Hierarchy (2)

A wolf pack is ruled by an alpha wolf. The alpha wolf is typically the strongest of all wolves in a wolf pack, but not always. While alpha wolves are commonly used, it’s more accurate to refer to them as breeders.

An alpha’s job is to protect their family from outside threats, many times this includes hunting for food as well.

All members of the wolf pack are submissive to the alpha wolf.

A common misconception about wolves is, that they fight for dominance. This is not necessarily true, as the alpha wolf is merely the one that breeds. Hence, the accurate term for the wolf in charge is actually “breeder”.[1]

There’s typically both an alpha male and an alpha female, where the female may be referred to as a Luna wolf.

Role of the Alpha wolf

The alpha wolf is the leader of the pack and is responsible for its overall health and welfare. While they’re generally more aggressive and assertive than the rest of the pack, their most important job is breeding.

Wolf Pack Ranks, Roles & Order | Wolves Hierarchy (3)

Besides breeding, the alpha also takes charge on hunting trips and generally makes sure the other wolves stay in line.

When breeding season comes around, the only couple to breed is the alpha couple.

The Alpha Pair Is the Only Ones Who Breed

While there may be more than one mating pair in a wolf pack, the only one to produce offspring will be the alphas. Hence, they’re also referred to as the breeders.

This means they are responsible for all offspring within a wolf pack.

The alpha couple will mate around January to March, where the female alpha will give birth to a litter of wolf pups.

(Video) How the Wolf Pack is Arranged

Related: Are wolves monogamous or polygamous?

Beta Wolves

Wolf Pack Ranks, Roles & Order | Wolves Hierarchy (4)

Beta wolves are the second in command of a wolf pack. They help the alpha leader keep the pack in line and carry out their orders.

Betas often have more experience than other pack members and can be older, larger, or more aggressive.

They defend the pack from danger and feed the rest of the pack when food is scarce. In some cases, betas can become alphas if the original alpha dies or is removed from power.

Their role is often seen around feeding time. The alpha male will typically eat first, then the beta, and then the rest of the pack. If any wolves try to move in before it’s their time, the beta will push them away.

Related: Beta wolf

Role of the Beta wolf

Beta wolves can be thought of as enforcers. They carry out the rules, making sure the other pack members keep in line.

This may be seen during feeding time, if other wolves in the pack are misbehaving, or if any wolf is harassing another.

Mid-Ranking Wolves

Wolf Pack Ranks, Roles & Order | Wolves Hierarchy (5)

Mid-ranking wolves are the rest of the pack. These have a somewhat fluent hierarchy amongst themselves and may try to assert dominance over each other.

The mid-ranking wolves are the lowest in the wolf’s hierarchy or wolf pack, besides the omega wolf.

This rank is made up of elderly wolves, aunts and uncles to the alpha, and even the younger wolves.

They will be submissive toward the beta and alpha wolves but have a fluent hierarchy amongst themselves. It’s not uncommon to see these wolves have small fights as they try to assert dominance within the group.

Role of the Rest of the Pack

A mid-ranking wolf is a wolf that has a flexible role in its pack. These wolves can be both hunters and soldiers, depending on what is needed by the pack at any given time.

(Video) Wolf ranks

They are the backbone of the pack and are often responsible for caring for wolf pups and teaching them how to hunt and survive in the wild.

The mid-ranking wolves may also be tasked with guarding the territory against intruders or helping to keep order within the pack. They are typically very loyal to their pack and work hard to ensure its success.

Omega Wolves

Wolf Pack Ranks, Roles & Order | Wolves Hierarchy (6)

The omega wolf is the lowest-ranking member. They’re the most submissive, and don’t have any authority in the back, generally keeping on the outskirts of the pack, as well as feeding last.

Omega status is the lowest in a wolf pack hierarchy. They have no real rank and are often treated badly by other members of the pack.[3]

They’re often thought of as the scapegoats of the pack, but also the jesters. The other wolves will let their aggression out of the omega wolf, as they know it won’t fight back.

There can be both male and female omega wolves. They’re typically timider, as they’ve been raised to be submissive.

Related: Omega wolf

Role of the Omega

A wolf pack is the last and most subordinate role. They are often used as scapegoats and stress-relievers.

When the other wolves have internal fights, they may end up taking it out on the omega wolf.

Even though the omega is treated this way, they still instigate play with the other wolves.

Conclusion

A wolf pack consists of alphas (one male and one female), betas (sometimes just a single beta), mid-ranking wolves (the rest of the pack), and omega wolves (typically just one).

In wolf packs, the alpha wolf is the leader of the pack and has complete authority over all of its members. The beta wolf is second in command and may help to make decisions or enforce the alpha’s orders.

Mid-rank wolves are responsible for carrying out the duties of the pack, such as hunting and guarding territory.

(Video) Wolf Pack Facts | How Does The Pack Work | The Beauty Of Wolf Pack

Omega wolves are at the bottom of the hierarchy and have few privileges within the pack. They often serve as scapegoats for their brethren.

While there is some variation from one wolf pack to another, these are generally the four ranks found in a wolf pack. Understanding these roles can give you a better understanding of how wolves interact with each other and why they do what they do.

FAQs

What Are the Ranks of a Wolf Pack?

A wolf pack consists of the following ranks: alpha, beta, mid-rank, and omega. These all have different responsibilities, and there’s often more than one wolf in each rank. Male and female alphas are known as breeders.

Do Real Wolf Packs Have Rank?

Wolf packs do have ranks, and the position of each wolf in the pack is important to its survival. The rank of a wolf in a pack determines how much authority that wolf has within the pack, as well as what responsibilities they have.

What Is a Luna Wolf in a Wolf Pack?

Luna wolf is another term for the alpha wolf. This is the breeding female, one part of the alpha couple. She’ll be the only wolf to give birth.

Who Is Responsible for Raising Young in a Wolf Pack?

The entire pack takes part in raising their young, but the female wolves in the pack typically have a bigger role when it comes to early nurturing. After giving birth, the alpha female will stay back from hunting to look after her pups, along with other females and old wolves.

Do Wolves Have Alphas?

Wolves do have alpha, but not in the sense of it being the strongest wolf. The alpha wolf is a term used in place of “breeding” males and females. The alpha’s biggest role is to reproduce.

How Many Wolves Are There in a Wolf Pack?

There are between two and ten wolves in a wolf pack, while the average size is around six wolves. This depends on the amount of young born in the latest litter, and whether any wolves recently died.

How Do Wolf Packs Work?

Wolf packs function as a family. They stay in a pack as it allows them to hunt bigger prey, and stay safe from other predators. Wolves in a wolf pack protect each other, hunt for each other, and generally take care of each other.

What Is a Group of Wolves Called?

A group of wolves is called a pack or wolf pack.

Contents

  • Ranks in a Wolf Pack
  • Alpha Wolves
  • Beta Wolves
  • Mid-Ranking Wolves
  • Omega Wolves
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs
(Video) We Were Wrong About Wolves and Wolf Packs This Whole Time

FAQs

What is the hierarchy of a wolf pack? ›

In most wolf packs, there will be an alpha male and female and frequently an omega male and female. In wolf hierarchy, the males tend to dominate other males and the females dominate other females so that there is generally a low ranking member of each sex.

What are all the roles in a wolf pack? ›

Within a pack, there are alpha wolves (one male, one female), who are the leaders. Next are beta wolves, who are essentially second in command and who serve as leaders when the alphas are not present. Typically, there is at least one enforcer, who is responsible for enforcing pack rules and managing pack protection.

What is a Zeta wolf? ›

The Zeta Werewolf is the rarest and most powerful class of Werewolf. known as the "King of Wolves", An elder werewolf, Lycaon was the first to hold the title until his death a the hands of the Silent Cove Hunters.

What is the second in command in a wolf pack called? ›

- The Beta is the second in command and enforces the law when the current alpha is not present. If both of the alpha die than the beta(s) take the alpha position and lead the pack, unless the alpha has said otherwise. This position cannot be challenged without the alpha approval.

What is a delta wolf? ›

Delta Wolf is the first 'Smart' airgun that can automatically adjust to suit the shooter needs. Building on nearly two decades of electronic expertise, Daystate has leapt forward taking the concept of electronically controlled precharged air rifles to a new level.

What's an Ultima wolf? ›

In the game Minecraft, Ultima Wolf is a werewolf who can change into a more wolf-like form. The most feral form of an ultima resembles a giant wolf with no signs of human features or even the ability to talk. Their eyes are also always red.

Who is a gamma wolf? ›

Gamma wolves are the wolves under the betas, they act like leaders during fights and are strong and fast when in battle. Gamma wolves have grey eyes and they have longer claws then other werewolves.

What is a epsilon wolf? ›

Epsilon wolves are werewolves turned by Gammas, they've known to be very violent when rogue and usually only listen to Gamma's or Alphas, when under the wrong command or when rogue they can become dangerous hunting machines.

What is a Sigma werewolf? ›

The Sigma Werewolf Was Created By Lycaon By Intentionally Changing His Genetics To Have His New Children Be A New, Stronger, Breed Of Werewolf. Known Individuals: Paul Chiles(Previously Inactive) Laura Mathews. Druiddane(Possibly, Meaning Possible Alpha)

What is higher than a alpha wolf? ›

Between the alpha pair and the omega the wolves establish order among themselves. These wolves wait their turn to feed, may leave the pack to find a mate and typically follow the actions of the top wolf.

What is the female leader of a wolf pack called? ›

The female leader of a wolf pack is called the Alpha Female, just as the male leader of a wolf pack is called the Alpha Male.

What is a Luna in a wolf pack? ›

A werewolf Luna is the alpha female of a wolf pack. In a nutshell, she is the counterpart to the Alpha. The Alpha is the highest position in the pack. He is also the strongest. Hence, the Luna holds the highest female position in the pack.

What is a sentinel wolf? ›

Sentinel Wolves, also known as simply Wolves, are a canine species native to Argent D'Nur, who are loyal war beasts serving both Night Sentinels and Marauders, capable of manifesting themselves long after death.

Do wolves have an alpha leader? ›

The prevailing view has long been that wolf packs are socially structured under a strict dominance hierarchy, controlled by an “alpha” male and female pair, with other pack members aligned in a pecking order.

What is hazing a wolf? ›

They are where livestock are kept in close proximity to each other or confined by some type of permanent or temporary fencing. Hazing devices may include the use of non-‐lethal munitions – including cracker shells, rubber bullets, paintballs and beanbags – to haze wolves near livestock.

What is a Grimm wolf? ›

A wolf is an aggressive animal that will attack if it spots you in Grimm: Dark Legacy. It can be hunted for food but will fight back. If weak, however, it will flee instead of continuing to fight. The wolves in Survive the Night are called Young Wolf.

What is the rarest wolf ever? ›

The red wolf

The rarest wolf species, red wolves (Canis rufus) almost went extinct by the middle of the 20th century. First they were nearly eradicated in order to protect livestock.

What is the highest ranking werewolf? ›

Alpha. The alpha is the leader of the pack, they try their best to keep up with what's going on within the pack.

Who is a omega wolf? ›

What does omega wolf mean? An omega wolf or male can refer to an independent man who succeeds outside of social hierarchies. It can also refer to a weak, unsuccessful “loser.”

What is a mythical wolf called? ›

Fenrir, also called Fenrisúlfr, monstrous wolf of Norse mythology. He was the son of the demoniac god Loki and a giantess, Angerboda.

Who is a beta wolf? ›

In the very simplest of terms, the beta male is the “second in command,” dominant over all but the alpha. While the positions of mid-ranking wolves are somewhat fluid, the beta generally enjoys a more stable existence.

What is Zeta in wolf pack? ›

Zeta - The war general of the pack. They take direct orders from the Alpha in case of a war. The Alpha may be the one to declare war, but the Zeta leads the army and makes the plans for war. They also train new recruits for position as a Assassin or more to take his or her place in the future.

What is a Guardian wolf? ›

History. Guardian Werewolves were the first Werewolves race on Earth, a day after it's creation and forever it's omnipotent Guardian at all times!!!!! The god of all werewolves KYDEN Reszuel Imius Jones Morningstar Kelly Maddy Quinnsmithbringr was created after the first day of the earth being created,.

What is the lowest wolf rank? ›

A pack of wolves usually comprises a dominant (alpha) pair; an individual or a couple following in importance, and most likely to replace the current alphas (referred to as the beta pair); next in line, are individuals in the middle ranks, these are followed by one or more wolves of the lowest (omega) rank.

Is sigma powerful than alpha? ›

Alpha males are celebrated for being strong and dominant and possessing great leadership qualities. Those attributes earned them a place at the top of the hierarchy. Sigmas have similar attributes but aren't considered as dominant, mainly due to their quiet, reserved nature.

Is sigma higher than alpha? ›

Alpha male vs sigma male

Sigma and alpha males are equal and share many common characteristics. They're both confident in their life choices and aim high. The main difference lies in their attitude. Sigmas choose to sit outside the hierarchy, while Alphas prefer to be at the top of it.

Who is higher alpha or omega? ›

Alphas rank at the top of the socio-sexual hierarchy followed closely by beta. Whereas omegas rank at the bottom of the hierarchy. The key difference between alpha, beta, omega is that while alpha males are the leaders and don't lack confidence, beta males are the quiet, loyal followers.

Is there anything higher than alpha? ›

Introduction. The terms alpha, beta, and gamma male are typically used to describe an individual's position within a social hierarchy. In linear hierarchies, alpha males are the highest-ranking males within a group, followed by beta, and then gamma males.

Is omega stronger than beta? ›

Although not as powerful as an Alpha, Beta werewolves are noticeably stronger than Omega Werewolves.

Who is the alpha of a wolf pack? ›

“Alpha” implies competing with others and becoming top dog by winning a contest or battle. However, most wolves who lead packs achieved their position simply by mating and producing pups, which then became their pack.

How do wolves show respect to their alpha? ›

The dominant male and female are in charge of the pack. To communicate dominance, they carry their tails high and stand tall. Less dominant wolves exhibit submissive behavior by holding their tails down and often lower their bodies while pawing at the higher ranking wolves.

Can a female wolf be an alpha? ›

"Alpha" connotes top ranking in some kind of hierarchy, so an alpha wolf is by definition the top-ranking wolf. Because among wolves in captivity the hierarchies are gender- based, there are an alpha male and an alpha female (Schenkel 1947).

What is a Cinderella wolf? ›

Following her startling makeover from submissive to dominant female, she was featured in two National Geographic TV specials. She became known as the “Cinderella wolf.” As the alpha female of the Druid Peak Pack, much of the park's wolf recovery can be attributed to her breeding success.

What is the Twilight wolf pack called? ›

The Uley pack, most commonly known as the pack or Sam Uley's pack, is formed when Sam Uley first phased into a wolf, the occasion of his coming-of-age in the presence of the Olympic coven: a coven of vampires.

Is there inbreeding in a wolf pack? ›

Abstract. Wolf packs generally consist of a breeding pair and their maturing offspring that help provision and protect pack young. Because the reproductive tenure in wolves is often short, reproductively mature offspring might replace their parents, resulting in sibling or parent-offspring matings.

What are the 4 stages of a wolf? ›

Wolf Pup Physical & Social Development
  • Birth to 12 days. Neonatal period. ...
  • 14-24 Days. Transitional period. ...
  • 24 to 77 days. Socialization Period. ...
  • 8 to 16 weeks. Juvenile Period. ...
  • 14 to 27 weeks. Period of Rapid Growth. ...
  • 27 to 51 weeks. Period of Slow Growth. ...
  • 1 to 3 years. Sexual maturity.

What is higher than alpha wolf? ›

Between the alpha pair and the omega the wolves establish order among themselves. These wolves wait their turn to feed, may leave the pack to find a mate and typically follow the actions of the top wolf.

How many alphas are in a wolf pack? ›

“The leader is called the alpha male. Then there may be several rank levels, beta, gamma and so on. But this is not a concept that works for wolves in the wild,” she says. Most wolf packs simply consist of two parents and their puppies.

Is Sigma higher than alpha? ›

In terms of dominance level, the sigma male should appear second, below alpha. However, Beale and other members of the masculinist subculture agree that sigmas' rightful place is outside of the hierarchy, because of their unique attributes resembling a balance of positive alpha and beta male traits.

What is a sigma wolf? ›

The sigma male is also known as a lone wolf. It's a term used to describe a man that's successful and confident while being independent.

Can there be 2 alphas in a pack? ›

Their traditional designations, especially when describing a wolf pack, are alpha, beta, and omega. There is usually one alpha couple, a male and a female, that lead the whole pack. They have a number of betas subservient to them, with the omegas subservient to everyone else.

Can wolf alphas be female? ›

One sign of dominant or alpha behavior is leading pack travel (i.e., the first wolf in the line is typically an alpha male or female).

What is the Druid wolf pack? ›

The Druid wolf pack contained the most famous grey wolves in the park, and possibly the world. Descended from captured Canadian wolves, they were reintroduced into Yellowstone in 1996 and became the most dominant pack in the park for 14 years.

What is a female werewolf called? ›

In mythology and literature, a werewoman or were-woman is a woman who has taken the form of an animal through a process of lycanthropy. The use of the word "were" refers to the ability to shape-shift but is, taken literally, a contradiction in terms since in Old English the word "wer" means man.

Videos

1. wolf pack ranks (5 levels in the hierarchy)
(Tiger Huang)
2. What Position Would You Be In A Wolf Pack?
(What's It For?)
3. This is the way the wolf pack works
(Insane Facts Official)
4. No, Your Dog Doesn't Think You're the "Alpha"
(SciShow)
5. Are You An Alpha, Beta, Delta or Omega? | What's Your Rank In A Wolf Pack?
(BuzzMoy)
6. Jim & Jamie Dutcher: The Hidden Life of Wolves | Nat Geo Live
(National Geographic)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated: 10/17/2023

Views: 5868

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.