Hybrid wolves escape compound in Arkansas

MARION COUNTY, Ark. — A social media post led to panic for some in northern Arkansas last week. A handful of hybrid wolves escaped their compound and were on the loose.

The Marion County Sheriff posted on the department’s Facebook page, saying there was a rumor spreading about 40 hybrid wolves being released into the community. The sheriff visited a property off of Wanda’s Mountain Drive and found several animals in the yard or on the porch.

“These aren’t full wolves,” Owner and Breeder of the wolves Thomas Smith said. “They have a lot of wolf in them, and they act like wolves and they do not want to bite a human. They are 67% wolf, 27% Alaskan malamute, 6% husky.”

Thomas Smith said he’s had wolves for over 40 years. He’s continued to breed them in Arkansas and currently has 26. Smith said his animals are skittish, which is one of the reasons why they escaped in the first place.

“What actually happened was they got scared and they broke out,” Smith said.

The sheriff’s office Facebook post stated Smith told the sheriff the wolves had dug out of their confinement. The post also said all but a few returned home right away. Smith said a total of six are still missing.

The post also told residents if the animals caused any trouble to dispose of them, but did not mention any specific problems the animals had caused. Smith believes some of the animals have died. He said if anyone sees a wolf to approach with caution but not be afraid.

“There’s been so many people come out here [and] they visited the wolves,” Smith said. “They’ve had them jump up on them, give them kisses. They petted them, took pictures with them. They’re my kids. Can you imagine what it’s like losing your kids?”

Smith is hopeful his last few missing animals will return Tuesday night.

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