The Laughing Wolf

A Metaphor Given Life

The wolf mating season is well underway, and yesterday saw part of it in all its glory at Wolf Park. Despite what you may read, the social ranks of wolfdom are not nearly as rigid as some may say. Politics and individual preference are not the prerogative of just humans. In the main pack, the preferred mate of the Alpha female has always been the Beta Male, not the Alpha. She has never been shy about expressing this, and this year as seen her tie with the Beta several times now. The Beta, has somewhat mixed emotions, since the she has done her courting in front of the Alpha male, who is not fully happy with the situation.

Yesterday saw the latest tie, witnessed by all in part because it took place in the middle of the frozen lake. Now, for those not familiar with dogs or other canines, when mating they tie (courtesy of the knot) and can even stand end-to-end or side-by-side. Video of a previous Alpha Pair even shows them running side-by-side chasing down some pack members who had displeased them, while still tied. Left me with feelings of both inadequacy and admiration it did. What happened yesterday was enlightening on a different level.

The Alpha male came over and the Beta male immediately went over onto his back in submission, while still tied. The Alpha female, disdaining the Alpha male, moved off -- dragging the Beta along. I and some of the other males watching, besides wincing in sympathy, had to admit that this was the first time we had seen literally happen what we have seen figuratively. A person who thinks on a reflex level (or doesn't think at all) in regards relationships may well find themselves being dragged along by their privates as a result. Some food for thought for the day.

LW