Mystery of dead canines washing ashore on Guemes Island solved, sheriff says
MyNorthwest.com • • nation
Key Points:
- Approximately 25 dead canines found on Guemes Island were identified as foxes from a farm outside Washington, purchased legally for use as crab bait, according to the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office.
- The foxes were discarded into the water by a crab boat operator experiencing mechanical issues to lighten the vessel when it began taking on water.
- No criminal charges are expected, and the foxes' owner is cooperating with law enforcement.
- Locals initially speculated wildly about the cause, with some fearing sinister explanations, but officials assured residents there is no threat to pets.
- The fox carcasses were found in various states of decay, some skinned and with paws removed, which initially led to theories involving fur trapping.
