Winter Weather


Time passes and the seasons change. It’s winter now, and the wolf pups are the same size as the adults in the pack. A fresh layer of snow has fallen. T e morning is cold, but the wolves are not. T eir thick, winter coats keep them warm. As the alpha male walks by one of


the pups, the pup bends down low to be respectful. T e pup’s brother rolls onto his back. T is is also a sign of respect. T e alpha male stands over the second pup and licks its face. T e pup whines soſt ly. T e beta has taught these pups well. T e pups must always respect the alpha male.


Defending the Pack


T e alpha male looks at the wolves in the pack. One member is missing. Something is wrong. Leaving the beta to care for the


pack, the alpha male heads out to search. It doesn’t take long for him to fi nd the missing wolf. It’s dead. A cougar has killed it. T e alpha male lets out a long howl


to call the pack. T e wolves come running, then stop short at the sight of the dead wolf. T e pups bark in alarm. T ey’re frightened.


6 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER


On Alert


T e cougar attack is a troubling sign. At times, wolves must share their territory with other predators. T ese predators, like bears and cougars, eat the same food as the wolves do. If prey becomes hard to fi nd, the wolves could be in danger. T e loss of a member of the pack


hits the wolves hard. In the weeks that follow, they keep to themselves. T ey mourn their lost friend.


A wolf is safer in a pack than on its own.


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