GUEMES ISLAND, Wash. — The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office says it has identified the person connected to a recent animal-related incident on Guemes Island, where numerous carcasses washed ashore, and officials do not expect to file charges.
The individual, described by authorities as a commercial crabber, is cooperating with an ongoing investigation, Administrative Lt. Jeff Willard said.
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Investigators believe the animals were foxes that had been legally purchased from a farm outside Washington state and transported into Washington for use in commercial fishing operations. The animals were already processed and packaged before shipment, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities said the fox carcasses likely ended up in the water after a mechanical problem aboard a vessel caused part of its cargo to be lost overboard.
The sheriff’s office said that, based on the facts known so far, it does not anticipate referring any charges to the Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officials declined to provide additional details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.