By Marie Tolonen Chisholm, Tribune Press
CHISHOLM — Dog owners, especially in rural areas, are being advised to keep their animals close and in control as a safeguard against wildlife and other dangers.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently investigated a report that a wolf had killed a dog just north of Chisholm. USDA District Supervisor John Hart of the Grand Rapids office confirmed that an investigation was conducted and concluded.
“Based on evidence at the scene, it was determined a wolf had taken the dog,” he said.
Hart said given the large number of dogs in the state, incidents like this — although not unheard of — aren’t that common. There have only been 12 reported in the state this year, he noted.
In the days since the investigation, mechanical devices have been set up in the area. These devices pose a danger to pets and humans alike. Signs posted in the vicinity of these devices carry a clear warning to keep pets and young children away.
Also written on the sign is a notice that these devices and any animals caught in them are property of the U.S. Government. Tampering with them or the sign is a Federal crime, it states.
Hart said there could also be charges under state statute for tampering, depending on the circumstances.
Late summer is when wolf pups are large enough to travel with the adult wolves so the adults can get defensive, explained Hart. He said the adult wolves sometimes kill other canines in defense of their territory.
Hart recommends that dog owners be mindful of their surroundings, and to keep their pets under close control at all times. He pointed out that dogs allowed to roam are also in danger of being struck by vehicles.
He suggests kenneling pets or keeping them indoors when not directly with them. That’s especially important at night, he added.
Feeding deer or attracting them or other wild animals to your property is not recommended. When there’s a concentration of deer, wolves sometimes follow and may come after dogs too, Hart said.
If you encounter a wolf when a walking a dog, Hart suggests calling your animal close to you, slowly turning around and retreating.
“Don’t run,” he stressed.
Hart said wolves are typically afraid of humans. He said sometimes when a wolf encounters a dog, it can be so fixated on the canine that it doesn’t notice the human present.
If the wolf doesn’t leave, Hart said to wave your arms and make noise to alert the wolf that there is a human there.
Anyone who has a domestic animal wounded or killed by a wolf should contact a conservation officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) first, and then contact the USDA at (218) 327-3350.