Is it legal to adopt wolf puppies?

The legality of adopting and owning a wolf puppy varies by each state's exotic animals laws, according to Slate. As of 2013, 21 states ban the practice of privately owning a wolf as a pet, while 21 other states have varying limitations. Eight have no license or permit requirements.

States in which exotic animals aren't licensed by law include Ohio, Alabama and Wisconsin, states Slate. Others are Idaho, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia. Some of those states do regulate exotic pets in some way, such as veterinary care or entry from other states.

Wolf puppies require more socialization than dogs and can't be completely domesticated, states Wikipedia. In order to socialize wolf puppies to humans, they must be isolated from adult dogs. Unlike dogs, which can be socialized up to 16 weeks old, wolf puppies often stop responding to the process at about 19 days old.