Wolf-German shepherd hybrids still loose; Orange County trying 'new baiting techniques'

An agency official told WRAL News on Friday that workers are trying "new baiting techniques" and continuing to monitor traps and investigate reported sightings.

Since escaping in early July, eight of the dogs were captured and four have yet to be found.

Officials haven't confirmed that they're all wolf-German shepherd hybrids.

The dogs escaped from their enclosure in the Cedar Grove area of Orange County, and Animal Services has set traps nearby.

This type of dog-wolf hybrid may display aggressive tendencies when confronted by people, said Dr. Tara Harrison, an associate professor at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. They're larger than a typical dog and are not as predictable as dogs because they are also part wolf.

Two people who know the dog owner spoke with WRAL News anonymously. They both said that the dogs were not aggressive, but loving and kind.

Animal control officials urged people to call Orange County Animal Control at 919-942-7387 if they spot the dogs and not to try to feed, capture or confine them.

Officials have not determined what will happen to the dogs once captured.