1. The Pack: This is the most common and well-known. A pack consists of a breeding pair (alpha male and female) with their offspring of various ages. Packs typically range from 5 to 15 wolves, but can be larger. This structure provides benefits like shared hunting, raising young, and defending territory.
2. Lone Wolves: Some wolves are solitary, not part of a pack. This can be due to being expelled from their pack, being an older, independent wolf, or simply preferring a solitary lifestyle.
3. Extended Family Groups: While less common than packs, wolves can form larger, more complex groups that include multiple breeding pairs and their offspring. These groups can be formed through close kinship, shared territory, or even temporary alliances for hunting.
It's important to remember that wolf social structures are complex and can vary depending on the region, environmental conditions, and individual wolf behavior.