Public Warned as Yellow-Eyed Wolf Dog Hybrid on the Loose

Residents of Sebastopol, California have been put on high alert after a yellow-eyed wolf dog hybrid was reported to be on the loose in the area.

The Sebastopol Police Department, in collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, has issued a warning and launched a coordinated search operation to locate the animal.

The wolf hybrid was initially spotted on the outskirts of Sebastopol, with its last known location being the area south of the Highway 12 bridge on the eastern edge of the town.

"The wolf hybrid is dark gray or black with yellow eyes. If spotted, do not approach," Sebastopol Police warned in a statement, adding that anyone with information should: "Contact law enforcement immediately and provide the location and direction of travel."

There have been no reports of any incidents involving the animal.

The rules surrounding owning a wolfdog in the U.S. vary by state, county, and city. In California, wolf hybrids can be owned under certain circumstances.

In order to be a legal pet, the wolf dog must be at least second generation, meaning it is the puppy of a domestic dog and a half-wolf-half-dog hybrid—with no more than 25 percent wolf.

A search operation is underway as people are urged to remain vigilant. To provide the community with a better understanding of the situation and help identify the elusive hybrid, law enforcement agencies have released a photo of the animal.

In comments on the Sebastopol Police Department's Facebook, people urged the authorities not to harm the animal.

"Please just leave it alone!" said Tina Green. "This beautiful creature has as much right to be here as us."

Another said: "Wolf hybrids tend to have a rather unique personality. Please be careful and keep this beauty safe."

Another commenter even revealed they had seen the dog with their own eyes and commented: "We saw him tonight on Highway 12 running east at 4.30 p.m. He's huge!"

While wolfdog hybrids can make good pets, they are often much more difficult to control and more prone to fear-based behavior than regular dogs.

Earlier this year, one wolfdog owner told Newsweek what he wishes people understood about the hybrid breed—an animal that he said is often misunderstood.

Anyone with information about the animal spotted on the outskirts of Sebastopol should contact Sebastopol PD at 707-829-4400 or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 707 428-2002.

Newsweek reached out to the Sebastopol Police Department via email for comment.