Wolves have a linear rank order, or hierarchy, which helps keep peace within the pack. There is a separate line of rank for each sex: one for males and one for females. At the top of the rank order is the alpha male and female. The beta male and female are next highest in status. At the bottom of the rank order is the omega “scapegoat” wolf, which may be either male or female. In the rank order, each wolf has a set place. When two wolves from the same pack cross paths, one is always dominant to the other, or higher in status than the other wolf. The lower-ranking wolf is said to be submissive to the higher-ranking, dominant wolf. The alpha wolves are not necessarily the strongest, the fastest, or the smartest. High rank has more to do with attitude and confidence than size or strength. Dominance also does not favor gender — either the alpha male or the alpha female may be the overall “leader of the pack”. While dominant wolves generally act more self-confident than lower-ranking ones, wolves do not walk around constantly displaying their status. They most often adopt a neutral pose, changing their expression towards dominance or submission depending on which other wolves are around. (A wolf will show dominance to a lower-ranking animal, and submission to a higher-ranking one.) A wolf displaying dominance stands up tall, looks directly at the other wolf, puts its ears forward, and will lift its tail (usually not much higher than its back, unless it is very excited). A wolf displaying submission crouches down to look small, lowers or even tucks its tail, looks away from the other wolf, and puts its ears down and back. This is usually all that happens when two wolves meet: wolves cannot afford to spend all their time fighting, and these subtle displays are all that is needed to maintain social stability. Wolf communication involves a lot of signals like these. The postures and facial expressions used will vary in intensity, or strength, depending on the co
Battle Ground, Indiana 2008
11×14 $750 unframed
Archival Gelatin Silver Print
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