A 78-year-old Oneida County man is facing 10 citations from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) after investigators discovered poisoned beaver carcasses placed in an area frequented by wolves.
According to DNR records, wardens located 10 beaver carcasses allegedly treated with fly poison, a toxic substance that can be fatal to canines and other wildlife if consumed.
The Lake Tomahawk resident informed investigators that he acted out of concern for his dogs after wolves reportedly killed one of his hounds, valued at approximately $7,500. He described himself as a longtime hound owner worried about further losses and reported several encounters with wolves near his property.
The case began when a person walking in a wooded area of Oneida County discovered the carcasses and notified authorities.
Wardens later installed trail cameras near the site, which captured images of the suspect and his vehicle, leading to the identification of the individual connected to the bait.
Wolves remain a protected species in the state. Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Court documents indicate that the man expressed strong frustration with wolves during the investigation. He told wardens that if given the chance to shoot a wolf in his yard, he would do so immediately.
The man has been issued 10 citations related to the poisoned bait and could face more than $2,700 in penalties if found guilty. He is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
Importance of the Incident
Wolves are a protected species in Wisconsin, and the use of poison to kill wildlife is prohibited under both state and federal law. This incident highlights the ongoing conflict that can arise between wolf populations and hound owners in northern Wisconsin, where encounters between wolves and dogs are common.
