Numbers: The number of wolves in a pack varies wildly. The definition of a pack states that there are at least 2 members, though the average amount contains 6-9 wolves. Although far north there have been sightings of 36 wolves together, it was not confirmed. The reason packs may be so much smaller nowadays then they were years ago is because of disease, poaching, habitat consumption by humans, and idealy, our evolution. Not only direct effects on them lead to decreasing numbers, but also effects on their prey can decimate them as well. Most wolf packs have a leading, alpha-mating pair, which would able the pack to easily increase their numbers. However, human habitat consumption may end the lives of those pups rapidly.

Leadership and Hierarchy: A wolf pack is lead by those two wolves who founded it. These two wolves are referred to as the Alpha male, and the Alpha female. In a young pack, the entire family will consist of the Alpha pair and pups. In an older pack, however, the family will consist of adult siblings (the litter) and also older and younger wolves from neighboring packs.
As in any family, discipline is maintained by the parents or if they have passed, the next highest ranking pair of male and female. The hierarchy in the pack is maintained by a series of postures, stares, and sometimes even a bloodless, disciplinary brawl. There are, however, some altrications with a subordinate wolf challenging a higher ranking member can result in a bloody battle or even death in one of these combats. These conflicts are not common, however, because usually the rankings of the wolves is decided in puphood.
Even though wolves are loyal animals and usually remain true to their leader, if the alpha becomes injured or shows weakness, the next dominant or beta will take over. Sometimes this change occurs if the alpha is injured while hunting or becomes incapacitated from age. On some rare occasions, however, this change takes place by sheer intimidation and harassment. Usually, though, wolves that live in a habitat abundent in prey and satisfies the needs of all, will lead normally peaceful lives.

Wolves at Play: Wolves are extremely sociable creatures, and as a result of this they love to play. When a wolf is in need of a play mate it will clearly signal its desire to play by raising its tail slightly, pricking its ears forward, and bowing to a companion while raising a front paw, as though to wipe its muzzle. Afterwards, it crouches, ready for the companion to begin the play, or it will bound forward. Play can take two forms: a sort of chasing-tag game, or a playful sparring match which takes place bloodlessly between two usually younger wolves.

Territory and Marking: Wolves will go to many extents to mark their territory as to make sure other wolves will not intrude upon it. The most common way, which many people are aware of, is the urination method. This method usually takes place when a wolf travels to the fringes of their known territory, and urinates on its boundary. This lets any passersby know that that is their territory and they are not to enter. The other method for wolf marking is deposition of feces. This process is done the same way, except with lupine feces. It sends the same message, but can serve as a more apparent sign of their territory.