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Atticus

(15,124 posts)
Fri Feb 9, 2018, 11:39 PM Feb 2018

I recall watching a nature documentary years ago about a couple who actually

lived with a pack of timber wolves in northern Canada for a couple of years. They filmed them as they hunted, socialized and interacted with their young and each other. They identified the Alpha male and Alpha female and explained how they ruled the pack. In one filmed sequence that I vividly recall, the pack was at ease, resting in a meadow on a sunny day after a successful hunt.

As the reclining Alpha male watched from the shade, a litter of wolf pups engaged in type the rough and tumble play that all puppies do. They'd engage in mock "fights" which ended when one succeeded in putting another down to the ground and held it there. But, one pup wasn't just playing. He repeatedly bit his litter-mates hard enough to bring squeals and yelps of pain. When they fled the bully, he'd follow them and attack again, all growls and bared teeth. The Alpha watched this for several minutes and then walked over to growl his correction to the youngster, who cowered and tucked his tail. As soon as the Alpha returned to his shady spot and lay down, the bully pup sank his teeth into one of his sisters and she squealed in pain. The Alpha walked back to the bully and without warning, crushed him to death in his jaws.

It seems that even wolves understand that they will succeed or fail together---as a group. Those who would do harm to the group or its members will not be tolerated. The Alpha did not have the option of explaining what the pup was doing wrong and he had no concept of "time out". He could either tolerate the pup's anti-pack behavior or he could act. He did what was necessary to rid the pack of a danger from within.

No particular reason for posting this. It was just on my mind.

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I recall watching a nature documentary years ago about a couple who actually (Original Post) Atticus Feb 2018 OP
Thanks for reminding me: Gabi Hayes Feb 2018 #1
Hopefully TlalocW Feb 2018 #2
I hear ya. Because the discord and bully would weaken the pack he leads . Wolves have limited lunasun Feb 2018 #3
Trump will not prevail. Mueller is America's Alpha hero. oasis Feb 2018 #4
Sometimes it has to be done. bdtrppr6 Feb 2018 #5
divided we fall, united we sand. pansypoo53219 Feb 2018 #6
Great post malaise Feb 2018 #7

lunasun

(21,646 posts)
3. I hear ya. Because the discord and bully would weaken the pack he leads . Wolves have limited
Sat Feb 10, 2018, 01:11 AM
Feb 2018

options and preservation of the pack is survival

 

bdtrppr6

(796 posts)
5. Sometimes it has to be done.
Sat Feb 10, 2018, 01:32 AM
Feb 2018

Bullshit should not be tolerated, especially if it weakens the pack.

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