{"id":576966,"date":"2026-04-11T00:55:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T00:55:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/576966\/"},"modified":"2026-04-11T00:55:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T00:55:10","slug":"mystery-of-dead-canines-washing-ashore-on-guemes-island-solved-sheriff-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/576966\/","title":{"rendered":"Mystery of dead canines washing ashore on Guemes Island solved, sheriff says"},"content":{"rendered":"

The morbid mystery involving approximately 25 dead canines washing ashore on Guemes Island in Skagit County last week has been solved, according to the county sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

According to the Skagit County Sheriff\u2019s Office, the dead canines were foxes that originated from a farm outside of Washington. The foxes were \u201clawfully purchased and transported into Washington\u201d for use as crab bait.<\/p>\n

The sheriff\u2019s office told KIRO 7<\/a> that, while crabbing, the boat had some kind of mechanical issues, causing the operator to toss the foxes to lighten the load when the boat was taking on water.<\/p>\n

The sheriff\u2019s office does not anticipate referring any charges to the prosecutor\u2019s office. The owner of the foxes is currently cooperating with law enforcement.<\/p>\n

Island locals found the mystery \u2018dark and disturbing\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just so bizarre,\u201d Jake Skorheim said on \u201cThe Jake and Spike Show<\/a>\u201d earlier this week.<\/p>\n

Guemes Islanders who found a few of the carcasses on the beach told KIRO 7 it was like nothing they\u2019ve ever seen. Theories ran wild for days, with some speculating that witches were involved, or maybe a serial killer.<\/p>\n

KIRO 7 also spoke with Guemes Island Fire Chief Olivia Cole, who told the media outlet people do not need to worry about their dogs being kidnapped.<\/p>\n

One local compared the sinister findings to \u201cthe start of a horror movie,\u201d according to\u00a0The Guardian<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Dead canines found decomposed, skinned, and with paws cut off<\/p>\n

The remains have been found in various states of decay, some badly decomposed, others appearing skinned, and many with their paws cut off. That led Spike to think the culprit could be a fur trapper.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy first thought was, somebody is skinning, or why would they be skinning dogs?\u201d Jake asked. \u201cThat\u2019s just horrific.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jake also pointed out that Guemes Island was known as \u201cDog Island\u201d because of the now-extinct Salish woolly dogs that once lived there, according to NBC News<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Follow Frank Sumrall\u00a0on X<\/a>.\u00a0Send\u00a0news tips here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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