Walker hound victim of wolf depredation in Town of Little Rice

On Thursday, Dec. 11, a four-year-old Walker hound was depredated by wolves while bobcat hunting with its owner. The complainant said  they noticed the hound remained stationary on the GPS tracking device 3 p.m. The complainant could not get closer than 0.60 of a mile when it got dark. The complainant was unsuccessful at calling the hound and waited for it to return. They reported hearing a wolf while waiting for the hound to return.

The following morning, the complainant attempted to walk to the site but could not make it. Later in the day, the complainant’s grandson walked in to the site while the complainant called USDA Wildlife Services.

Wildlife Services technician Jeremy Irish walked in to the site and investigated the hound. There were numerous wolf tracks around the attack site. The extremities of the hound were frozen, indicating the hound most likely died the previous day. The hound was bitten numerous times across the spine from the shoulders to the pelvis. Numerous 0.25 inch tooth punctures penetrated deep into the muscle tissue, resulting in massive hemorrhaging. Irish said the evidence clearly indicated wolves attacked and killed the hound and classified this a verified wolf depredation. The dollar value of the hound was reported by the complainant as $5,000.

Those who experience wolf conflicts should immediately call USDA 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.”

Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].