Caution advised in several northern Wisconsin counties as outdoor users hit the woods this fall

You are viewing ARCHIVED content published online before January 20, 2025. Please note that this content is NOT UPDATED, and links may not work. Additionally, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded. For current information, visit our newsroom.
Press Release
Caution advised in several northern Wisconsin counties as outdoor users hit the woods this fall

We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with law enforcement professionals from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service, want to remind you to use extra caution while recreating in wooded areas across Forest, Marinette and Florence counties this fall. We encourage people walking their pets to keep them on leashes and restrict their movements off of roadways to avoid possible contact with any poison.

We are seeking your help in solving several poisoning deaths of wildlife and domestic dogs in northern Wisconsin and consider this an open investigation. Over the past two years, at least nine domestic dog deaths have occurred in Forest, Marinette and Florence counties. While the investigation is focused on the three counties, it is unknown if other counties could be involved. In addition to the unfortunate poisoning of these family pets, investigators also found dead raptors, coyotes, weasels, raccoons and wolves. Lab tests have confirmed the presence of dangerous toxic substances as the cause of death in these wildlife cases and the domestic dogs.

We are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and/or charges being filed against a responsible party. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service asks anyone with information about the recent wildlife and dog deaths to contact our Office of Law Enforcement in Madison, Wisconsin at 608-221-1206.