The alphas are the only ones that are allowed to breed. February and March are the months that wolves breed. (Lad, 2012) North American wolves are unique when choosing their mates. Only the alpha male mates and when he chooses his female she is considered the alpha female. Wolves love when puppies arrive. A mother wolf gives birth to about five pups at a time. (Wolves, 1999) Apart from the breeding pair in a pack, there is also another wolf that enjoys a prominent role in the pack. This wolf is known to fulfill other important tasks for the pack such as looking after the young ones. (Lad, 2012) Their reaction is like a celebration and there is one member of the pack that watches after the pups. The pups usually open their eyes within 2 to 3 weeks and begin to emerge from their den. (Wolves At Our Door, 1997, video) There is usually a second pair of wolves in a pack who are considered second in command. These wolves are called beta wolves.