"The mating season for northern altitude wolves begins in February. Typically, only the alpha (leader) pair will mate. Subordinate male pack members that attempt to mate may be severely disciplined by the alpha male, and female pack members by the alpha female.
The alpha male and his mate seen quite playful and affectionate during this time, chasing and greeting each other, nipping the other's face and ears, and grooming one another. The mating pair will often slip away from the pack when the female is in estrus, their union creating the one liter of the year.
Wolves reach sexual maturity by the age of 3, 4 or 5, but usually do not reproduce unless they achieve the alpha ranking or break off from the pack."
Copyright Tom and Pat Leeson
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