Senate approves Morton's bill to include wolf-hybrids in definition of 'potentially dangerous wildlife'

March 4, 2009

Olympia…A measure sponsored by Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls, that would add wolf-hybrids to the list of “potentially dangerous wildlife” was unanimously approved by the Senate yesterday.  

Washington now has a confirmed breeding pair of gray wolves with six pups in Okanogan County . The adult male and female were temporarily captured and radio-collared for tracking. DNA taken from the pair confirmed they are pure wolves from Canada. 

However, during a special presentation to the Senate Natural Resources, Ocean and Recreation Committee on the status of wolves in Washington, testimony was given that some reported wolf sightings in the eastern one-third of the state were found to be wolf-hybrids. 

A representative from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife further testified that wolf-hybrids experience “short circuiting” in their genetic makeup that complicates the animals’ response to humans – causing problems with a domesticated dog’s natural tendency to be subordinate. 

“Wolves are genetically hard-wired to avoid humans,” Morton said. “The wolf-hybrid can end up with bad chemistry because it isn’t a wolf and it isn’t a dog.” 

Substitute Senate Bill 5383 contains a “grandfather clause” that allows responsible owners of wolf-hybrids to keep their animals, but it forbids new ownership and breeding. 

“Mating pet dogs with wolves is unfair to dogs and unfair to wolves,” Morton said.  

SSB 5383 is now before the House of Representatives for consideration.  

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Additional contact: Penny Drost (360) 786-7522 or drost.penny@leg.wa.gov