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ruby-dawn — Eyes of the Omega
Published: 2009-08-11 22:06:42 +0000 UTC; Views: 403; Favourites: 9; Downloads: 13
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Taken at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana.The guide told us that this wolf, named Summit, was the omega, or lowest ranking wolf in the pack. I've always had a lot of sympathy for the omega wolves, since they seem to be pushed around a lot by the rest of the pack.
*NOTE*: Please do not use this image without my permission.
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Comments: 10
This was taken through glass, but he did come very close to the window. It's probably the closest I've ever been to a wolf, though.
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Lucky, I mean where you calm or did you freak out or something? XD
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This isn't a wild wolf, if that's what you mean. I was perfectly safe the entire time. XD
This wolf and several others are residents of the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, which is a sort of wildlife park and educational center that teaches people about bears and wolves, and how they interact with the enviroment.
Though I must say, it's still a bit scary seeing a wolf (or any predatory animal) that close up, glass or no glass. I mean, I don't think wolves would hurt anyone unprovoked, but their eyes... It feels a bit like they're looking through you rather than at you.
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Ah, I had no idea, I mean I was just taking a guess in the blue, mi bad.
Oh that's cool, I mean I've heard of these kind of places before. There are specials all the time on the discovery channel and the history channel*If I'm lucky, lol* Are wolves common around Yellowstone?
Really, wow. Looking though you? *blinks twice* I've been told that at times.. hrm... I'm gonna look into that..
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Wolves do live in and around Yellowstone (supposedly, you have a better chance of spotting one there than any other place in the U.S.), but seeing one is still a real treat. They tend to avoid people, so spotting one is difficult. The Lamar Valley area of the park is supposed to be the best place to see them. I went there, but I didn't see any. I guess it's mostly luck. I think winter's probably the best time of year to look for wolves there, because they are easier to spot in the snow. At least that's what the travel books say.
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Omegas aren't necessarily as pushed around as people like to believe- they are a key factor in every wolf pack because they provide as a stress relief in tense moments- defusing a rough situation with a little play, or chase etc. They seem to be snapped at, but that's like with every wolf in the pack. They aren't put there, but I believe placed there because they have a knack for doing what they do. They're quite vital and probably the most respected.
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Hmm... Never really thought about it that way. I guess every wolf in the pack has a role to play, but I wouldn't go so far as to call omegas the most respected wolves. I agree that all wolves get snapped at occasionally, but I would guess the omegas get it at least a tiny bit more than the others.
Anyway, thanks for commenting, it's very encouraging to receive feedback on my photos.
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Oh they're respected, all right, in their own place. It's like a good running company- even the boss respects it's mail room workers. Though most jobs aren't that ideal, it's simply a metaphor to describe how important their position is.
I watched a documentary on a man and woman that lived with wolves and raised their own packs- throughout the documentary you see the omega constantly getting beaten on and you wonder why any wolf would put up with that or no one steps in. You're thinking that this wolf has a pretty crappy life they they don't like or respect that wolf.
One day, the omega wandered off to be alone and escape it for a while, but when the next couple of days came, you find that she's missing. The male documentary worker went off to go search for her, and discovered she'd been killed by a cougar.
For the next month or so, the rest of the pack was in this deep depression. They hardly moved, howled or did much of anything. They missed her, they needed her. I think if she wasn't respected, the impact of her death wouldn't be so great.
Sorry to ramble- I just kinda see a lot of DA pictures of captive wolves or omegas and people are like "OH, that's SOOO sad" Really, it's not. Wolves live in such a luxury being in zoos and captivity programs. They don't have to hunt, or worry about rival packs or etc. It's also increasing knowledge about them and letting people learn more too.
Just givin my perspective ;3
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Wow... I didn't think that a pack would be that upset over losing one of their members, especially not the omega. That's pretty amazing that they sort of mourned for her.
As for wolves in captivity, as long as they have a nice home with plenty of room, I don't feel too bad for them. I watched this program about Yellowstone wolves that said that wolves only live to be about 4 years old in the wild, as opposed to around 11 years in captivity. Just goes to show how hard life in the wild can be.
Anyway, thanks for telling me all that about the omegas. I'm always happy to learn more about nature, especially wolves.
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