a wolf pup


T ree wolf pups squirm inside their den. T ey’re


only a few days old. T ey’re blind and largely helpless. For the next few weeks, only their mother will see and take care of them. Not far away, a group of wolves


waits. Wolves are pack animals. T ey live together in small groups, like families. T e pack is eager to welcome the pups. T e pups will not be able to survive without their pack. One wolf tips his head back, closes his eyes, and howls. T e other pack members add their voices to the call to say hello.


Learning to Hunt Joining the Pack


Soon, the pups are old enough to join the rest of the pack. T ey run to meet the other wolves. One tall, gray wolf steps forward.


He’s the alpha male, or leader. He makes the decisions for the pack. He greets each pup by licking its


face. Before long, the other wolves greet the pups, too. T e pups yip and jump in excitement. One wolf takes a special interest in


the pups. He’s the beta wolf, or second in command. He’ll help teach the pups about life in the pack.


4 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER


T e beta leaps in front of the pups. He holds his head low. He liſt s his rump high, then wags his tail. He wants to play with the pups. T e pups spring into action. T ey


pounce on the beta, nibbling his ears. One pup bites his tail. T e beta doesn’t get mad, though. T is type of play is practice. Playing together teaches the pups how to stalk and kill prey. T ese are skills they need. Soon the pups will start hunting


large animals with the pack. When hunting large animals, wolves always hunt together as a pack.


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