Brooklyn Wolf Is An Illegal Wolf-Dog, Future Uncertain

Animal Care & Control

More information has emerged about the mysterious, scared-looking wolf discovered wandering the streets of Brooklyn last night: for starters, she's actually a wolf-dog hybrid (as many of our commenters already guessed), and her future is uncertain at the moment.

The wolf-dog was found near Elton St. and Vandalia Ave. in East New York yesterday, wearing a collar and chain that lead authorities to believe she was being kept as an exotic pet. ACC spokesman Richard Gentles said that she's about three years old, 53 pounds, and is probably a cross between a grey wolf and a German shepherd, malamute, or husky. Whatever her lineage, she's considered a wild animal and is illegal to keep as a pet in New York.

“She’s in an unfamiliar environment so she’s nervous and shy, but otherwise she’s in good condition,” Gentles said. “She’s not a wild animal,” he added. Nobody has come forward to claim her, but Gentles said she will not be put up for adoption or released into the wild: “What we’ll try to do is place her with one of the animal groups we partner with that have experience with wolf-dog hybrids,” he said.

And because no urban wolf story would be complete without at least two gratuitous wolf-related pop culture references, we give you Duran Duran:

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By Jamie Feldmar in News on December 23, 2011 9:55 AM

Comments [rss]

Megan Pwns

She was transported to a wolfdog rescue in NJ this morning. She is safe!

Militant Conformist

NJ safe? That's a matter of opinion

Megan Pwns

Oh haha. I promise she wont turn orange! You can visit the Howling Woods Farm facebook page to see a picuture of Brooklyn

Michael Mitchell

The thing about a wolf-dog Hybird, is they sneak up on you so quietly. As a pedestrian, I find them a little disconcerting.

dd7

Aren't all dogs wolf hybrids?

LottieM

Dogs have evolved to have certain genes that lead them to be genetically distinct from wolves: genes for gregariousness, certain memory functions, and understanding of body language. Based on this, dogs are a distinct species.

DP

Just when you thought East New York couldn't get anymore dangerous...

Pilar Passmore

I found a pup of these eating out my garbage back in the seventies. Neither the local vet nor the police could find the owner so it lived with us for 14 years. It did not behave like a dog and we were always careful with visitors. He had his own climate controlled room on the first floor and a large enclosed yard he could access at will. We developed a deep bond but not like the one I've had with all the dogs I've had since. He was aloof and silent. Good company while reading and listening to music. He was lame and had impaired lungs from a probable run in with a vehicle and needed close vet care all his life. We were privileged to have him but I don't think this type of breeding is fair to the animals.

johngloid

Could have sworn I saw a dog like that getting walked once. The gent walking it was older, late 60's with a rather mean look on his face. Not joking either :( But I can't remember exactly where it was -- Cobble Hill area (home) or Chelsea (work).

TBE11

So she both is and isn't a wild animal? She must be very confused.

Stultusmagnus

There are some wolf-dog sanctuaries out there. Hope she lands in one of those.

nunyadamn

Let's hope this hybrid actually makes it to an animal group.

MattyGC

wolf-dog hybrid is the name of my band

schmeep

The future is uncertain for all of us, I don't know why this dog-wolf is special because of it.

randomtransplant

Because unlike any of us, wolf-dog is untouched by your melodramatic zeitgeist.

krinklecutfires

consider my mind blown.

TrollyMcTrollington

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

Steven Harris

The wolf-dog wasn't born here? Where are his papers? DEPORTATION NOW!

Militant Conformist

Agreed. Probably another Canadian Hipster Transplant going to bars and whining about the qualtity of american beer. Well, you're going back you hairy, inarticulate canuckie...