Wolves kill two hunting dogs in Minocqua

MINOCQUA— Federal wildlife officials have verified that a pack of wolves killed two hunting dogs in Oneida County on Sept. 18, prompting warnings for hunters operating in wolf-occupied territory.

The attack took place near the intersection of Camp 9 Road and Manhardt Road in the town of Minocqua, where USDA-Wildlife Services confirmed the depredation incident.

Dog owner Nick Formiller said wolves targeted his dogs while they were actively pursuing a bear that had been treed. According to Formiller, the pack pulled the dogs directly off the tree, with evidence at the scene indicating the dogs fought for their lives.

Formiller stated that he and his 13-year-old son walked 2.46 miles into the woods to locate the dogs, arriving to find wolves surrounding the area near the tree. Calling the incident a “horrific scene” for his child to witness, Formiller advocated for the regulation of local wolf populations.

In response to the incident, USDA-Wildlife Services advised dog owners to exercise caution, noting that conflicts between hunting dogs and wolves occur frequently during bear training and hunting season.

Officials added that wolf depredations also occur while dogs pursue other wildlife, including coyotes, foxes, bobcats, rabbits, snowshoe hares, and upland birds.