Record Number Of Bear Hounds Killed By Wolves
Thursday, September 8th, 2016 -- 8:40 AM
Wildlife officials say a record number of bear hounds have been killed by wolves in Wisconsin this year and they’re urging hunters to be on the lookout this bear season.According to Wisconsin Public Radio, officials have confirmed 29 hunting dogs have been killed by wolves so far this year. David Ruid, wildlife biologist with U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, said bear hunters should take steps to protect their hounds. Ruid said, be vigilant and be aware if wolves are in the area that they’re hunting or if wolves have recently used one of their baits that they have out for bear. Ruid said the majority of conflicts are occurring on large blocks of public forest lands in northern Wisconsin. Eleven of the 29 killed hunting dogs were taken in Bayfield County.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources large carnivore specialist Dave MacFarland said it’s too early to tell what’s driving the attacks, adding favorable weather or increased training may be playing a role.
Wisconsin is seeing its highest wolf population in recent history with close to 900 wolves in the state. Wisconsin instituted a wolf hunt to control their numbers in 2012, but a federal judge ruled in 2014 that the gray wolf should be placed back on the endangered species list in the Western Great Lakes region.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.