Are there restrictions on wolves and wolfdogs possession in New York? To find out, we checked the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) Section 11-05335 and Regulations NYCRR Part 182.

Briefly, the wolf is regulated as an endangered species in New York. Licenses (at US$10.00 per animal) are issued only for scientific, exhibition or education purposes provided the licensee has an Animal Welfare Permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Licenses are not issued to possess a wolf as a “pet.” ECL Section 11-0511 and Regulations 6 NYCRR Part 180.1. Briefly, a wolf-hybrid is defined as “dangerous wildlife” in New York. A license is required to import, possess, transport or export a wolf-hybrid.

Licenses are only issued for scientific, educational or exhibition purposes provided that the licensee has an Animal Welfare Permit from USDA.

Licenses are not issued to possess a wolf-hybrid as a “pet.” Part 180.1 further describes certain prohibited animals as “any animal, the overall appearance of which makes it difficult or impossible to distinguish it from a wolf (Canis lupus) or coyote (Canis latrans).

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