#beta wolf

There is a giant misconception about wolf pack dynamics. Studies of captive wolves in the 1930s formed the basis for the traditional alpha hierarchy model. This ranking system is really only seen among wolves that have been reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park. (If you don't know these terms, here's a basic run-down:)

Alpha: These are the "top dogs" that eat first and leads the pack more or less by force. Alpha males have their pick of mates and must fight off challengers to retain his position. Alpha females achieve this rank by being the alpha male's mate generally and aren't necessarily the most dominantly aggressive female in the pack.

Beta: They act as the "second-in-command" and eat after the alphas but generally do not breed.

Subordinates: This is the metaphorical "middle class." Most wolves rank here and thus establish hierarchy amongst themselves.

Omega: Perhaps the most well-known role (aside from alpha) is this one. Typically the runt of the litter, it is weaker and smaller than the others, living on the edges of the social circle. They eat last and are often take the brunt of violence or bullying. Some are even described as having noticeable patches of fur missing, and scabbing-over wounds from their packmates.

The idea was created by David Mech, who then spent many years studying wolf packs in the wild after he realized the flaws in his research technique. Contrary to popular belief, wolf packs are family units. The most dominant pair are the parents, with the other members consisting of their pups and sometimes unrelated lone wolves who were allowed to join. Hierarchy is based mainly on seniority, not who wins a fight. As many have stated, calling wolves alphas is like calling human parents alphas of their family. So now that we've debunked alphas, what about the other ranks? "Betas" are often just the oldest pups of the pack, and therefore have the second most authority - which makes sense. Social dynamics here are fluid, however, as one day or in one situation, a "beta" may be dominant to their littermate, but not the next day or in another situation. They are remarkably similar to humans, in this respect. The "subordinates" mostly are juveniles or pups, and the traditional model gets the interactions pretty much correct here. But again, the hierarchy within this section is fluid, not nearly as regimented or "official" as we think. Wolves occupying the “omega” position are not shamed or striving to rise up the ranks, they simply rank lowest, typically due to size and strength. If unrelated wolves are accepted into the pack, this is often the role that they play, which could explain their being treated with a bite more aloofness. The stereotype of the "bullied omega" is almost completely fabricated. There are mixed results of it happening in captivity, and it is non-existent in naturally occurring wild wolf packs. (In some cases, though, the “omega” will be driven from the pack if they consistently challenge senior wolves, or if they're of little use in the hunt or when protecting resources.) Most "aggression" from the breeding pair is technically a parent disciplining their pup, and between the pups, this "aggression" is simply playing. Because wolves have such tough skin and thick fur, they are able to withstand these "attacks" which rarely cause actual damage. Humans simply interpret this roughhousing as violent. The most obvious example of this is in relation to the lowest-ranking wolf, who instead of being viciously attacked, is considered the "comedic relief" and instigator of playtime. Hierarchal eating also isn't present in organic wolf packs, and "David Mech explains that wolves do not have a great deal of dominance behavior within the pack; many of the identified behaviors are food related. Wolves will beg for food from each other as an act of submission, but research indicates the submission may be just as significant as the dominance and have more to do with promoting relationships than actual pack rank" (What Happens to the Old Wolf Pack Leader?).

Obviously, there is a big difference here. Now, as it relates to Balto... No one is surprised that the sled team demonstrates the archaic way of thinking about wolf pack interactions. Steele is the alpha, Kaltag and Nikki are the betas, the three other unnamed dogs are the subordinates, with Star as the omega. (How many times is he reprimanded throughout the movie, often being physically hit? Yeah.) Now, the only wolf pack we really see appears much more in line with what wild wolves really act like. Instead of adults coming together each winter and fighting for dominance, we see a large wolf, two smaller ones, and a pup. This is clearly meant to be a family.

Side Note: A favorite headcanon of mine is that these are Balto's relatives. More specifically, one of his littermates' packs. Lemme know if you wanna go down this rabbit hole because I have a lot here! I mean, like, a WHOLE backstory for Balto and his family.