Werewolf

Werewolves are a supernatural species of half-wolves. They are the main protagonists within the world of Teen Wolf.

They usually appear in human form, but can shift to a certain degree into a wolf. Even in human form they possess supernatural abilities and powers.

Inexperienced werewolves are at the mercy of the full moon. Under its sway, they lose control and their homicidal tendencies increase.

Psychological Characteristics
Observed psychological characteristics of the werewolves of Teen Wolf include:


 * Increased risk taking
 * Aberrant social behavior
 * Homicidal tendencies
 * Increased sexual desire
 * Rebelliousness and distrust of authority
 * Animal-like mannerisms such as growling

Note: Most of the psychological symptoms listed come from observations of Beta type subjects. The Alpha type is more elusive and apparently the more violent of the two.

Types of Werewolves
There are three known types of werewolves in the Teen Wolf mythology, Alphas, Betas and Omegas.

Alpha
An Alpha is the leader of a pack of werewolves. It is the strongest, most powerful and so far the most lethal variety of Werewolf.

An Alpha is the type of werewolf that bit Scott.

Laura Hale was an Alpha and appeared to be completely wolf-like when transformed. The only other Alpha seen so far has also been beast-like when transformed. Like a wolf, it runs on all fours but unlike the animal it has glowing red eyes, a short snout and larger teeth. It is stated by Derek that alphas become stronger if they are part of a pack.

Peter Hale says he's “become an Alpha” by “taking that” from his niece Laura.

To become an Alpha, a Beta wolf must kill an Alpha. In Code Breaker, Derek kills his uncle and becomes the next Alpha.

Beta
Scott was a Beta throughout Season 1.

Betas can be born like Derek or made with a bite from an Alpha as was the case with Scott.

Beta transformations are less complete than the Alphas in that they retain a mostly human appearance but grow fangs, claws, and fur. We have seen involuntary Beta transformations triggered by strong emotions. Pain can reverse the transformation.

Bitten Betas (as opposed to born werewolves) have a mental link with their creators and can be “called” against their will.

During the episode Night School the Alpha seemed to force a Beta (Scott) to transform. It is unclear if this was a previously unknown power of the Alpha over their progeny or simply a result of the Beta subject's heightened emotions.

Derek states in Lunatic that a bitten werewolf can reverse their lycanthropy if it kills its sire but admits this is hearsay and he doesn't know if it is true.

Omega
The third type of werewolf is the Omega.

It is the "lone wolf". the one without a pack.

In the web series Teen Wolf: Search for a Cure, Conrad Fenris describes the Omegas as the “lowest of the wolves...”.

The first episode of Season 2 is titled Omega. Teen Wolf Creator Jeff Davis says the title represents Scott's state of mind during this season. If he chooses not to join Derek's new pack he will be the lone wolf, the Omega.

Powers and Abilities

 * Enhanced Strength: Werewolves are much stronger than humans.
 * Enhanced Speed: Werewolves are much faster than humans.
 * Enhanced Agility: Werewolves can jump, run, climb and react faster than humans.
 * Accelerated Healing: Werewolves heal quickly from most injuries.
 * Heightened Senses: Werewolves can smell, see and hear far better than humans.

Packs
Werewolves become physically stronger and more powerful once they join a pack. This is stated several times during Season 1 and is the overriding theme of Season 2.

Pack membership is voluntary but failing to join leaves the werewolf weak (See Omega above) and vulnerable to attack.

Known Werewolves

 * Scott McCall, bitten by Peter Hale (Beta)
 * Isaac Lahey, bitten by Derek (Beta)
 * Derek Hale, born werewolf (Beta to Alpha)
 * Laura Hale, born werewolf (Beta to Alpha; Deceased)
 * Peter Hale, born werewolf (Beta to Alpha; Deceased)

Weakness

 * WolfsbaneDerek_infected_with_wolfsbane_bullet.png
 * So far the Observed Effects of Wolfsbane include the power to hold an Alpha, Laura Hale, in full wolf form after death. It made Scott short of breath and seemingly caused a partial transformation. A wolfsbane tipped bullet poisoned and almost killed Derek.


 * Mountain Ash
 * A balustrade made of Mountain Ash at the Beacon Hills Animal Clinic seems to block Peter Hale in Formality. Several varieties of trees are commonly known as “Mountain Ash”. It is likely, given the setting of the show, that the form used here is Sorbus scopulina which is native to northern California. The tree, also known as Rowan, is woven throughout the folklore of many regions as a ward against evil beings.