Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce

Kamots - "to go free"

As alpha, or leader, of the Sawtooth Pack, Kamots is largely responsible for determining the harmony and mood of the pack. He is the first to eat or to discipline another pack member. He is not only the largest wolf in the pack, he is a leader with an intelligent, sociable and kind manner. Kamots is playful, generous, and gentle with the other wolves, while ready to assume the role of disciplinarian with a deep growl and flashing teeth is necessary. Kamots is usually the first to lead a howl, while the rest of the pack gathers around, bodies low and tails wagging to join him.

Lakota - "peaceful person"

This a large, gray wolf is brother to Kamots. His yellow-green eyes are haunting and speak of the wildness that is in wolves. He has a shy, wary temperament and is often alone, exploring on his own. He is usually the first wolf to alert the pack to a stranger's approach with a bark howl. Although he is primarily a lone wolf, he is playful and very intelligent. His strong friendship with Matsi allows him to romp and run with another wolf without fear of overstepping his role. Lakota is know by his trademark howl; distinctive and piercing.

Matsi - "sweet and brave"

Maintaining the role of beta, or second ranked in the pack for several years, Matsi is a year younger than Lakota and has forged a friendship with him. Together they have built a non-threatening relationship. He is the lightest colored male in the pack and has a distinctive, pale golden face and coat. The lack of a gray facial mask common for wolves, and the shine from his yellow eyes, form his light face. Matsi has been a primary caretaker for pups in the pack and it is not uncommon to see Matsi taking special care of a subordinate wolf.

Amani - "to speak the truth"

A high ranking male, and brother of Matsi, Amani has markings similar to Kamots, with a deep gray coat, although his ears are most often flat out, giving him a sweet, comical countenance. He is friendly and always eager to eat. Running through the tall grass of the meadow, Amani can be seen stopping to roll on his back or to see if a bone has anything interesting left to chew on. He has been very attentive with the pups, always in view to watch on them and bring them food. He is playful with the higher ranking wolves and strict with more subordinate members of the pack.

Motomo - "he who goes first"

Brother to Amani and Matsi, Motomo is a large, black wolf. His deep yellow eyes are startlingly beautiful against the black fur of his face. He holds a mid-ranked position in the pack and is comfortable interacting with all the other wolves. The white flag on his chest is easily seen to communicate submission when he rolls over on his back under the domination of a higher ranking wolf. Often these bouts of discipline end with Motomo's tail wagging, leading the other wolves in play. He is playful and curious, eager to interact and play games of chase, but can also be found alone, as he hunts squirrels or explores the enclosure.

Chemuk - "black"

As the alpha female, Chemuk is a petite black wolf with gray fur on her face and legs. She is three years younger than Kamots, with whom she has bred to produce pups. Her friendly but shy personality is reflected in how she carries her head and postures her ears. Although she is shy, she is also dominant and usually found in the thick of any pack conflict. She is agile and quick and has an incredible vertical leap in pursuit of a chickadee, chipmunk or squirrel in a branch over her head.

Weyekin - "spirit guide"

Sister to Chemuk, Weyekin is a golden, gray wolf, and the Omega female. She is slightly larger than Chemuk, but has a more submissive personality and is quick to avoid conflict. Her light fur has a reddish cast and her lithe movements are reminiscent of a fox shadow at the edge of the pack, darting in and out among her pack mates. She is regal one moment and the next, she is gone, disappeared into the trees. Her open nature and sense of play keep her involved and interacting with all the wolves.

Wahotts - "howls a lot"

The brother of Weyekin and Chemuk, Wahotts is a large, lanky gray wolf. His large yellow eyes are dark rimmed and slanted in his beautiful face and leave the impression of uncharted depth. He has a wary personality, and can often be found at the edge of the pack's activity, watching, but rarely getting involved. His long legs and slender body make his large head appear even more impressive. Wahotts has been extremely attentive to the new pups and can be counted on to come between a pup and anything he perceives as a possible threat. He exhibits unlimited patience with the pups as they chew on his tail, ears and feet, practicing their adult skills.

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