The alpha, of course, is at the top, followed by the beta. The hierarchy covers both male and females. The alpha pair is responsible for the pack's survival. They breed and each spring when the alpha female gives birth, the rest of the pack rears their litter. But when another female has a litter of her own, there can be trouble.
Female wolves can be competitive at breeding time, which can lead to disputes.
Breeding rights were probably at the route of the Druid Pack's dispute. The alpha female was particularly tough on her sister, who was the beta female. Last year, when the beta female had her own litter, the alpha female invaded her den and threw her out. She may have even killed her sister's puppies. Park scientists believe the alpha female may have tried the same thing this year.