Dog Depredations by Wolves in Wisconsin in 2004

Wolves killed eight hunting dogs in two different wolf pack territories during the 2004 bear dog training season in northern Wisconsin. Hunters are advised to avoid areas of the Shanagolden pack territory and to use caution in areas of the Haystack Corner pack territory (map). For information on reducing conflicts between wolves and hunting dogs see "A Guide to Reducing Conflict Between Wolves and Hunting Dogs". All of the dogs were involved in bear dog training when the depredations occurred. None were wearing bells.

SHANAGOLDEN PACK, Ashland County - Bear hunters are urged to avoid running dogs near the Shanagolden wolf pack in Ashland County.

Map of Wolf Avoidance Area near Shanagolden, Wisconsin.

View a printable map [PDF 2.5MB]

The Shanagolden pack has killed seven dogs in four separate attacks during the month of August. All of the dogs were attacked in an area of the Chequamegon National Forest in east central Ashland County west of the Village of Glidden.

Wildlife Specialists with U.S. Department of Agriculture--Wildlife Services verified the attacks on dogs. The first attack involved 3 dogs and occurred on August 4, north of Forest Service Road 338 at the edge of a large swamp area. The second attack occurred 2.5 miles to the east to a single dog on August 7. The 3rd attack occurred 1/2-mile from the first location to 2 dogs on August 20. The most recent attack was another mile to the south on August 23 to a single dog. All attacks were within 2.5 miles of each other.

Hunters and dog trainers are being asked to avoid the area to the south of State Highway 77, north of Forest Service Road 164, and east of Forest Service Road 168 to the eastern edge of the National Forest. The center of the area where wolf depredation activity has occurred is near the junction of Forest Road 338 and 166.

In the past the DNR has indicated areas of caution when wolf depredations have occurred in specific pack areas. Since the current depredations are fairly intense, the DNR is recommending that bear hunters totally avoid the areas of the Shanagolden Pack where these depredations have occurred.

Wolves have been in the Shanagolden Township for a number of years, but these are the first dog depredations reported in the area. A survey conducted in the area after the first attack indicated that wolf pups were present. The pack is thus more aggressive to dogs and other canines entering their territory in an effort to protect the pups. At this time of year, wolf packs with pups tend to remain in one general area, known as a rendezvous site. The rendezvous site serves as a sort of base camp where the pups are left behind while the adults go off hunting. We assume the adults were probably protecting the pups at or near the rendezvous sites in these attacks. The Shanagolden Pack with nine to 11 wolves was one of the largest packs in the state this winter. Wolf packs usually average four or fewer wolves.

HAYSTACK CORNER PACK, Sawyer County - USDA - Wildlife Services confirmed wolves killed a dog in the area of the Haystack Corner pack in Sawyer County on August 23. This is the pack that killed 4 dogs and injured 1 in four separate incidents last year. Hunters with bear hounds may want to stay away, or exercise greater caution if they plan to hunt dogs in this area.

Map of second Wolf Avoidance Area near Ladysmith, Wisconsin.

View a printable map [PDF 76KB]

Four wolves were counted in the Haystack Corner pack this winter. A survey conducted after the depredation indicates wolf pups are probably present.

The DNR counted 373 to 410 wolves in Wisconsin in late winter 2004, and detected 108 packs in the state. Wolves are currently listed as threatened by the federal government, and are listed as a Protected Wild Animal by the State of Wisconsin. The federal government has begun the process to remove wolves from the federal threatened species list and return all management to the state of Wisconsin.

Past Depredations: 2003