SHINGLETOWN, Calif. (NewsNation) — A pack of wolf-like dogs who police say have gone feral is on the loose in the Shingletown area in northern California, according to a press release from the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office.

The department said it is aware that six of these “wolf-type” animals remain in the wild and have been actively working to capture them. Police were first notified of the hybrids last week when the pack roaming the area killed another dog, the release said.

What are wolf hybrids?

The feral animals were determined to be “wolf/husky/malamute hybrids” that belonged to a local resident who has since been cited for having unlicensed and unvaccinated animals and strays, police said. The owner was also cited for kennel violations.

But what are wolf hybrids? While it sounds like something out of a fiction novel, wolf hybrids exist and are the product of mating a wolf and a domestic dog.

Is it legal to own a wolf hybrid?

It depends. Whether wolf hybrids are legal varies by region and government level. At the federal level, some laws state that a cross between a wild and domestic animal is a domestic animal, according to the International Wolf Center.

However, states can have their own laws when it comes to ownership of such breeds, the center said. Some states classify hybrids as wild animals while others require specific permits for such animals, according to the center. Some states make it illegal to own a hybrid animal regardless of proper vaccinations and licenses. In rare cases, some states will allow its cities and counties to decide, the center said.

Ongoing search for the wolf hybrids

One of the wolf hybrids was able to be voluntarily handed over to Animal Regulation Officers. However, catching the remaining six will be a challenge, police said.

The Animal Regulation Officers have set multiple traps in the area and remain on patrol. In the meantime, police have suggested residents take precautions to protect themselves, pets and livestock until the six dogs are captured.