When Mexican gray wolf F1226 (Belle) licks and nibbles her 3-month-old daughter, not only is Mom keeping her kiddo’s fur clean and free of debris, her grooming efforts are gestures of intimacy that reaffirm the unique emotional bonds that shape the foundation of the family.

Because when it comes to wolves, it’s all about family. Raising pups is a family affair; it is natural for all the wolves to pitch in. The yearlings will assist their parents in rearing their younger siblings by regurgitating food for them, playing with them and even baby-sitting.

Moreover, the parents will demonstrate critical parenting strategies and techniques for the yearlings to employ when they have pups of their own. Passing down knowledge from one generation to the next also allows the family to maintain traditions unique to that pack.

When it comes to wolves, it’s all about family.