Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Associated Press
Madison, Wis.

More hunting dogs killed by wolves during bear season

Wolves
In this February 2008 photo, gray wolves howl at an exhibit area at the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minn.
AP Photo/John Flesher File

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Wisconsin's growing wolf population and increased hunting activity may have contributed to a significant increase in the number of hunting dogs killed by wolves during the bear hunting season, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

At least 40 hunting dogs were confirmed killed by wolves at the end of bear season Tuesday, exceeding a previous record of 23, the DNR said.

DNR carnivore specialist Dave MacFarland said it would take a scientific study to determine what caused the increased dog deaths.

"Everybody can agree that we hope we don't see a repeat of what we saw this year," MacFarland said.

Some hunters blame the end of the state's wolf hunt for the burgeoning number of wolves. Others say bear hunters could protect their dogs by avoiding areas where wolves are known to roam, the State Journal reported.

The wolf population grew in Wisconsin after it was given protected status. It was removed from the endangered list in 2012 and three wolf hunts were held. Opponents argued the wolf population was in danger of collapsing again and a judge put the animal back on the endangered list in 2014.

The estimated winter population of wolves grew 16 percent to about 900 this year. Claims for financial compensation from livestock and dog owners have also been on the rise. The state pays owners of hunting dogs killed by wolves $2,500.