DR-VfT E!S APPENDIX 1 



in domestic dogs. But the predatory instincts are still present to an unknown and unpredictable degree in wolf-dog 

 hybrids. Although hybrids commonly lack a fear of humans, the animals are generally poorly adapted as domestic 

 pets because their behavior is unpredictable and their response to general obedience training is poor. While the 

 keeping of captive wolves and hybrids as pets is rewarding to some individuals, others llnd it unmanageable and try 

 to find new homes for their pets. Hybrids have been released into the wild, presumably by frustrated owners. In 

 Wisconsin, the frequency of wolf-dog hybrid encounters with humans or pets increa.sed concurrent with increases in 

 wild wolf numbers. From 1989 to 1998, there were 21 incidents involving 44 different released captives or hybrids, 

 33% of which were in 1998 alone (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 1999). The potential for genetic 

 pollution of wild populations, human safety, and erosion of public acceptance for wild wolves are commonly cited 

 problems with private ownership of captives or hybrids or release in the wild. 



In the northern Rockies, the concern about genetic pollution is overstated. At present, there is no genetic or other 

 evidence that captive wolves, wolf-dog hybrids, domestic dogs, and coyotes interbred with native Rocky Mountain 

 wolves in the wild (Boyd el al. 2001 ). Wolves and coyotes can be easily differentiated genetically. However, 

 genetic tests currently cannot distinguish between wild wolves, domestic dogs, and wolf-dog hybrids. Because 

 domestic dogs evolved from wild wolves, they have similar genetic characteristics. It is unlikely that a released 

 captive or wolf-dog hybrid would survive long enough to reproduce with wild wolves (Bangs et al. 1998). 



There are behavioral differences between wild wolves, wolf-dog hybrids, and captive wolves. Released captives 

 and hybrids will typically associate with humans and loiter near human settlements. TTiey may even be more likely 

 to depredate domestic animals than wild wolves (Bangs et al. 1998). In the tri-statc area, wolf-dog hybrids have 

 been found in the wild sporadically since at least 1986 (Bangs et al. 1998). Two ca.ses in 1997 were south of YNP. 

 In each case the animal loitered on private property, scavenged, and one killed domestic sheep. Both animals were 

 euthanized. Methods to distinguish non-native wolf-like canids from native wild wolves include a combination of 

 genetic analyses, morphology, and behavior. Basic morphological differences between wild wolves and wolf-dog 

 hybrids in the Great Lakes region are described by Duman (2001 ). 



MFWP is concerned about the potential for captive wolves or wolf-dog hybrids to compromise human safety if they 

 are released or escape from their owners. Wolf-dog hybrids have been responsible for human attacks, maulings, 

 dismemberments, and deaths. Many incidents involved children. The animal's large size, lack of fear, and 

 unpredictable behavior make it especially problematic. As of 1997, the Food and Drug Administration had not 

 approved rabies or other vaccines for use with captives or hybrids. Despite lack of approved vaccines, many captive 

 wolf or hybrid owners use the standard dog rabies vaccine. Nonetheless, there is still concern for public safety 

 because vaccination status may not be known. 



Wildlife professionals sometimes have trouble distinguishing a captive-reared wolf or a wolf-dog hybrid from a wild 

 wolf. It is even more difficult for the general public. Negative experiences with rogue captives or hybrids can taint 

 future public opinions about wild wolves and undermine tolerance for wild, free roaming wolves that normally fear 

 humans. 



It is legal to possess captive wolves and wolf-dog hybrids in Montana. Citizens inay keep them as personal, private 

 pets without a permit. Citizens wishing to publicly display captives or wolf-dog hybrids or to attract trade must 

 have a permit Irom MFWP. Montana statutes (87-1-23 1 ) and administrative rules require the pemianent tattooing of 

 any wolf held in captivity, where "wolt'" means a member of the species Canis lupus, including any canine hybrid 

 which is one-half or more (> 50%) wolf. Owners are also responsible for compensation and damages to personal 

 property caused by any wolf that is held in captivity or that escapes from captivity. MFWP Enforcement Division 

 maintains the database of tattooed captive wolves and wolf-dog hybrids. 



At this time, MFWP does not seek to further regulate the ownership of captive wolves or wolf-dog hybrids. 

 However, the State of Montana may seek statutory authority to do so in the future in the interest of public safety. 

 There is a federal court ruling from a 1998 case in Mississippi upholding that state's ability to exercise legislative 

 powers to determine and act on behalf of the safely interests of its citizens. 



Upon delisting, MFWP will respond to incidents of free-ranging captive wolves or wolf-dog hybrids. WS, local 

 animal control officers, or other law enforcement officers may also respond. If these animals loiter near people, 

 their homes, or compromise public safety, they will be lethally removed. Incidents involving human injury will be 



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