The idiom lone wolf first appeared in the late 1890s, and is derived
from a phenomenon in nature. Wolves are normally pack animals, but
sometimes a wolf is driven from the pack and must survive on its own. A
lone wolf is often more aggressive or stronger than a wolf that belongs
to a pack, out of necessity. Overall, though, wolves are very social
animals. Once a wolf has found a mate, they tend to stay together for
better or worse, through sickness and health, often until death due them
part. Of course it is typically only the alpha male and female that
breed, leaving the rest of the adult pack members to help rear the young
and ensure their survival.
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