Just as in human family units, wolves form strong bonds with other pack members.  Male wolves, for instance, seldom leave their own packs to join others.  In addition to being devoted, wolves have been described as friendly, affectionate, and helpful toward each other, and happy for the companionship of pack members.  Pack members will often greet each other nose to nose, with wagging tails and whole bodies wriggling with joy.

          Habits.  Each wolf pack has a social order called a dominance hierarchy.  Every member of the pack has a certain rank in the hierarchy.  High-ranking members, called dominant wolves, dominate low-ranking members, known as subordinate wolves.  A dominant wolf and a subordinate wolf show their rank  almost every time they meet.  The dominant wolf stands erect, holds its tail aloft, and points its ears up and forward.  It may show its teeth and growl.  The subordinate wolf crouches, holds its tail between its legs, and turns down its ears.  It may also whine.

          A pack lives within a specific area called a territory.  Studies indicate that the size of the territory depends mainly on the availability of prey.  If prey is scarce, the territory may cover as much as 800 square miles (2,100 square kilometers).  If prey is plentiful, the area may be as small as 30 square miles (78 kilometers).

          Wolves claim a territory by marking it with their scent.  The leader of the pack urinates on rocks, trees, and other objects along the boundaries of the area.  Other wolves then know where the territory is located.  A pack does not allow other wolves to hunt in its territory.  If wolves from another pack trespass, they may be attacked.