Oregon’s Wolf-Dog Population Unknown

One animal behaviorist likens the relationship between a human and a wolf-dog to a cocaine addiction.

“People say there is no relationship like it,” said Mary Lee Nitschke, a psychology professor at Linfield College and an expert on animal behavior.

No one knows how many wolf hybrids are in Oregon. Out of 242 exotic pets in Oregon with legal permits, 150 are wolf hybrids. But authorities say there are many more exotics whose owners have not obtained permits.

People who own the wolf-dogs swear they are loving, loyal pets.

But these loving pets have killed at least a dozen children since 1981 in the United States.

The pups sell for up to $1,500.

As puppies, the fur balls with eyes are hard to resist. But at sexual maturity, 12 months to two years, their behavior becomes more extreme and erratic than other canines. Many retain the predatory nature of a wolf. Some see small, running children as prey.

Suzanne Smith, president of Iowolfer Association Inc., a national organization and registry in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, said people should educate themselves before they take home any type of canine.

Lanny Warhurst of Milwaukie allows his 3-year-old grandson Justin Wright to play on the livingroom floor alongside his wolf hybrid named Sheena.

“They’re wonderful,” he said. “You couldn’t get a better animal. They’re only aggressive if you make them aggressive. It’s epidemic proportions the way people misunderstand these animals. You know, the big bad wolf. It’s ridiculous.”