Scientists pin down a first finding of wolf-dog hybrids in the wild in Karelia

Genetic study of wolves taken down by hunters in Karelia shows hybrids from crossing between wild animals and dogs are appearing in the population. Scientists believe this may be driven by the hunting pressure – a survival strategy for the species. On the other hand, hybridization and inbreeding – crossings between close relatives – jeopardize the population in general. Meanwhile, wolves play a pivotal ecological role.