Hybrid animals can come about in one of two ways. This can be through natural reproduction, or through selective breeding done by scientists in labs, or breeding programs in zoos. Although it is rare, sometimes animals naturally crossbreed without any human intervention. If two similar animals happen to be in the same region during their breeding season, they may mate.
In Germany, officials have issued a shoot-to-kill order for hybrid wold-dog pups, the product of a wold mating with a domestic dog. Officials say this is to protect local wolf populations.