Basically... Alpha Wolves Don't Exist

A basic explanation of wolf hierarchy and how alpha/beta/omega wolves aren't real.

Citations:
Mech, L. David. (1999). "Alpha status, dominance, and division of labor in wolf packs". Canadian Journal of Zoology.
Mech, L. David; Boitani, Luigi, eds. (2003). Wolves: Behaviour, Ecology and Conservation

[novanocturn]

I have triad to explain this to people before, and they refused to except it.

[susanhorn]

I absolutely love wolves but I will admit I was very ignorant concerning this subject. Thank you for the knowledge, as always I love to hear your voice. Keep up the. Great work 🐺

[kuckunniwilupinedogs]

I guess it's not so much as incorrect as a name but rather incorrectly interpreted.
They're basically the dominant breeding pair. They don't obtain this by being aggressive but instead teach their offspring and other younger pack members and work together co-operatively for the survival of all.

[heartlesscapitalist]

Nuclear family?
That's so wholesome

[keithaugust]

It's refreshing to see this information making its way to a broader audience. Well done amigo!

[marilynhands]

Hi NT! Yes. Make more of these videos. Keep them coming. I have a black cat too😊

[-aprilmornings-]

Finally I have been telling ppl this for years! And kept getting push back, saying well the scientist said....and then I’d tell them that, yes the guy said that in the 70s then proceeded to tell ppl he got it wrong and wished his book was never popular and really wanted it removed. But am glad to see ppl are coming around and finding out that there is no such thing as an “Alpha” wolf. I just roll my eyes when I hear guys coin this phrase.
Edit: let me clarify a bit since I’m being told by guys oddly enough, that there are “alphas” or leaders . I never said there wasn’t BUT what y’all considered the “alpha” was in fact a mating pair ; both male and female rule the pact. Which usually includes the offspring and siblings of both the leading pair and the siblings.
Also, yes in a captivity setting one wolf can make itself the leader or “alpha” albeit they can be female too. ( especially considering the leader is the human who owns said captive place.)
Kidding aside though, In the wild no there’s no alpha it’s a mating pair and they both have the same dominant power. In captivity it has been seen and documented ( not often) that one wolf can be the dominant one over the others. Yes, there is a wolf hierarchy.
Also also, it’s just to the point that the quote, “I’m an alpha “, is an archaic and well just plain simple and stupid.

[michaelwood]

Love your work skott. You're a very talented and conscientious young man, I see great things ahead for you. Thanks dude.

[carriemarshall]

Love the info! Thanks for creating this :-)

[galehollowslorensen]

Commenting for encouragement, great to the point and informative video

[WebsterJorgensen]

David Mech renounced the term "alpha", when the only wolves in the United States were in Wisconsin. The packs in Wisconsin are unnaturally small - just Mom, Dad, and pups. The pack sizes were limited by the encroachment of civilization. His research was correct for the time he did it.

After 1995, a lot of new research has come out about pack structure and behavior of Yellowstone wolves. There are multiple packs with more than 15 wolves and some packs have had more than 30. These large packs are not comprised of just parents and siblings. The oldest male is not always the leader. There are multiple documented instances of outside wolves coming in and violently asserting themselves as the leader/alpha.

The narrative about their not being alpha wolves is based on old science from the '60s and '70s.

[liquiddevil]

Didn’t realize I’d recognize the narrator until the video began. Already subscribed to Nature’s Temper!!!

[doktordanomite]

News tonight at nine on FOX “are libreals trying too steal our wolves?”

[The_Woof_Pack]

Yes there is a such thing as an Alpha Wolf in captivity

[obvv]

The myth lives on because people like the idea of it.

[rudeawakening]

Wow, thanks so much for spreading truth & not perpetuating bullsh☆t "scientific theories"!!
Yet another reason I love your channels!

[Getina-tonl]

Wolves are so incredibly beautiful! Alpha or no, still remarkable creatures

[zioqqr]

Ive always wondered if there actually are any animals that follow this violent social structure.
Im into watching speculative evolution worldbuilding, and they always cite alphas in breeding behaviour, often in reference to how deer behave.

[jaredsalas]

Little ironic that this alpha male mentality only exists in wolves that are place indoors and can't leave or go outside

[SpeakUrMindShareUrWords]

Loved the video.
That was quite intriguing.
Very interesting.

Thanks for sharing Skott.

“Knowledge itself is power.”
Sir Francis Bacon

Please share more videos!!
🤙🏽