I'm a little confused by how other people think of wolf ages, some wolves are much more mature for their relative ages than others. Here's how I tend to think of it, any comments?
0 years old:
Infant/child. This is a very young wolf obviously. Playful, immature, a bit selfish.
1 year old:
Early to mid teens. The wolf begins to mature some in behavior and become a more responsible individual.
2 year old:
Mid to late teens. They generally reach sexual maturity around here. The wolf is becoming a younger adult, they may still be considered immature by others and have lapses in judgment due to their young age but are generally more reliable.
3 year old:
Early twentiesish. A young adult, still considered inexperienced by most but well capable of caring for themselves. This is probably the age when I tend to think of young wolves splitting off from the mother pack to go seek their fortunes. I can also see them having pups without it being too unusual.
4 year old:
Mid to late twenties. This is an adult wolf, considered to generally be in the prime of their life. Mature enough to hunt on their own, care for a family, and be taken seriously by others.
5 year old:
Thirties-ish. Respectable adult wolf, younger ones should regard them as such. They are wiser by this age, even more experienced, and likely to have status in their pack.
6 year old:
Forties-ish. Just starting to get a little older, but not so old that they can't easily manage the position of Alpha in a turbulent pack.
7 year old:
Fifties-to-sixties-ish. Definitely getting older. Depending on how they cared for themselves in their youth, this wolf may or may not be really showing their age.
8 years old +:
Wild wolves typically don't live much longer than this, but on SotW I can see them going on because most deaths in the wild are caused by fights with other wolves. These guys are the senior citizens, treat 'em with plenty of respect for sticking around this long and the wisdom they have amassed through their lives, but don't expect them to be running up hills and leading hunts.
That's just how I think of it. Any differing perspectives, anybody? I'm just curious! :)
*winces* ouch....and I bet Kisu is around6/7 by now. >.< *hobbles her ancient wolf away*
Good list Zita! ^.^
~Digger