Mystery of dead canines washing ashore on Guemes Island solved, sheriff says

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’s office.

According to the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, the dead canines were foxes that originated from a farm outside of Washington. The foxes were “lawfully purchased and transported into Washington” for use as crab bait.

The sheriff’s office told KIRO 7 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.

The sheriff’s office does not anticipate referring any charges to the prosecutor’s office. The owner of the foxes is currently cooperating with law enforcement.

Island locals found the mystery ‘dark and disturbing’

“It’s just so bizarre,” Jake Skorheim said on “The Jake and Spike Show” earlier this week.

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

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.

One local compared the sinister findings to “the start of a horror movie,” according to The Guardian.

Dead canines found decomposed, skinned, and with paws cut off

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.

“My first thought was, somebody is skinning, or why would they be skinning dogs?” Jake asked. “That’s just horrific.”

Jake also pointed out that Guemes Island was known as “Dog Island” because of the now-extinct Salish woolly dogs that once lived there, according to NBC News.

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