Hunting dog depredated by wolves in Oneida County

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services confirmed a 1.5 year old female Plott Hound was depredated by wolves at approximately 7:30 a.m. on August 10, in the town of Little Rice.

The complainant said they released their dogs into a block of woods at approximately 6:30 a.m. last Sunday. Some time later, the complainant saw a wolf enter that same block of woods where the dogs were. At approximately 7:30 a.m., one of the dogs showed treed, meaning it likely had an animal in a tree and was stopped at the bottom of the tree.

The complainant reported they felt the collar started to act up at this point and the dog seemed to be moving in circles. When the complainant got to the site, they found the dog dead. They brought the dog out to the road and called wildlife services.

Austin Dodge investigated the complaint, arriving shortly later to examine the remains of the dog. He stated he found severe hemorrhaging along the dorsal and ventral sides of the dog’s neck. There were multiple canine tooth punctures consistent with a wolf bite. He found the hide of the dog to be consumed from the front shoulders to the tail and most of the ribs chewed down to the spine. He confirmed this to be a wolf depredation. The Plott hound was valued at $2,500.

Those who experience wolf conflicts should immediately call UDSA wildlife services to investigate. Starting the investigation immediately is often the only way to confirm damage done by a wolf or wolves. 

To report a wolf conflict in Northern Wisconsin, call 1-800-228-1168 (in-state) or 715-369-5221.

More information for pet owners, producers, hunters and rural citizens on wolf-involved conflicts, including a wolf conflict guidance page and map of conflict sites can be found on the DNR website dnr.wi.gov by searching key term “wolf conflicts.”