Yes, wolves have been observed eating deceased members of their own pack. This behavior can be attributed to a few factors.
Firstly, in harsh environments where food is scarce, consuming a dead pack member can be a survival strategy. Wolves often rely on their pack for hunting and food resources. If one member dies, especially from starvation or injury, it may be beneficial for the surviving wolves to utilize that resource instead of letting it go to waste.
Secondly, the social structure of wolf packs plays a role in this behavior. Wolves are highly social animals and have complex relationships within the pack. Eating a deceased member may also carry a significance in terms of social bonding or maintaining pack cohesion.
However, it’s important to note that this is not a common behavior and may occur under specific circumstances, such as during extreme food shortages. Typically, wolves prefer fresh prey and will hunt or scavenge from other sources as their primary means of sustenance.