Wisconsin hunters warned about wolves killing dogsSun, 08/02/2009 - 1:52pmOutdoors Northwestern Wisconsin
By Chuck Quirmbach, Wisconsin Public Radio
WASHBURN, Wis. (WPR) A new round of wolves killing hunting dogs in Northern Wisconsin has prompted more warnings for hunters.
This is the time of year when many hounds are being trained to hunt bear in northern Wisconsin. But the dogs often are hundreds of yards from their owners, and may come across wolf pups. The Department of Natural Resources? Adrian Wydeven says that's when adult wolves spring into action and fight the dogs to protect their young.
Wydeven said the DNR started counting how many dogs were being killed by wolves about four years ago. In 2006, 25 dogs died. This year's total is eleven. That includes three dogs near people's homes. But four of those deaths happened in just the last two weeks.
Wydeven is urging hunters to be more careful, or avoid dog training in parts of Oneida, Bayfield, Burnett and Clark Counties where wolves are known to live.
Grey wolves in Wisconsin are back on the list of federally-protected endangered species. The DNR is reminding people that they could be jailed or fined for killing a wolf.
http://fox21online.com/news/wisconsin-hunters-warned-about-wolves-killing-dogs
