Authorities believe 21 skinned fox carcasses found on Guemes Island were used as bait by crab fishermen. The incident continues to raise concerns and frustrations.
SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — Authorities say nearly two dozen dead canines that washed ashore on Guemes Island nearly two weeks ago are believed to be foxes brought to Washington for use in commercial fishing, offering long-awaited answers while raising new concerns among residents.
The discovery followed a mechanical issue on a boat near the island, causing its cargo -- including 21 skinned canine carcasses -- to end up in the water and eventually onshore, disturbing the small island community.
Residents are now reacting publicly for the first time since the update from the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office. One longtime Anacortes resident, Jay Lepore, described the scene as “completely heartbreaking,” adding to the unease many felt when the carcasses were first discovered.
“You don't know if it's a monster in the crowd, right?” Lepore said.
In a statement Friday, the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office said, “The animals involved are believed to be foxes that originated from a farm outside the State of Washington. They were lawfully purchased and transported into Washington for use in commercial fishing operations.”
A fisheries expert with Washington Sea Grant at the University of Washington told KING 5 that commercial crabbers do sometimes use mammal carcasses as bait, noting that crabs are scavengers drawn to decomposing flesh with high fat content.
Still, major questions remain; including why the animals were skinned. Authorities said they “do not have confirmation at this time if it was a fur farming operation,” but expect to learn more once a full necropsy report is completed.
Investigators added that the mariner responsible is cooperating and that no charges are currently being pursued.
That portion of the statement is drawing frustration from local leaders.
“I was upset that there was not even a citation for illegal dumping. We had to suffer the cleanup and the emotional distress out here by seeing the animals wash ashore on our beautiful island," said Guemes Island Fire Chief Olivia Cole.
The sheriff’s office responded Sunday, stating, “If it is determined that a crime occurred, a citation may be issued.”
For some residents, that response has done little to ease lingering concerns.
“No, I’m not satisfied. That's not to say it's not true. I just... I'd like more substance," Lepore said. "I'm left with a large gap and I'm supposed to fill it in on a matter as important as this? It's not going to be good enough."
The sheriff’s office says the investigation remains ongoing, limiting what information can be released.
“I would expect something to be more evident, so that we could all have closure,” Lepore said.
The case has also drawn comparisons to a similar incident more than a decade ago, when thousands of pounds of mink carcasses were found in waters near southern Oregon, as reported by The Oregonian. In that case, authorities charged a crab boat captain with first-degree water pollution.