Which event marks Buck's descent into the wild instincts he possesses?

Buck's leadership of the pack is a significant turning point in his journey toward embracing his primal instincts. Throughout the story, Buck undergoes a profound transformation from a domesticated dog to one that reconnects with his wild ancestry. His rise to leadership signifies not just a change in status among the dogs but also a deeper awakening to his inherent capabilities and instincts that have long been suppressed by civilization.

In the wilderness, survival depends on strength, cunning, and the ability to lead, and Buck exemplifies these traits as he navigates the challenges of his environment. Leading the pack allows him to assert his dominance, showcasing his prowess and reliance on instincts that have been dormant. This event is critical, as it symbolizes Buck's full acceptance of the wild within him, distancing himself from his former life of comfort and human dependence. It marks a climactic moment where Buck fully embraces his role in the natural order, ultimately illustrating the themes of survival and the instinctual pull of the wild that permeate the narrative.