Fox Carcasses Found on Guemes Island Solved by Authorities
The Skagit County sheriff’s office has resolved the mystery surrounding nearly two dozen dead canines that washed ashore on Guemes Island.
On Friday, the agency confirmed that the animals were foxes legally used as bait in fishing operations.
The announcement followed reports from local residents who were disturbed by the discovery of the carcasses along the shoreline of Guemes Island in late March and early April. Guemes Island, located approximately 80 miles (130 km) north of Seattle, is home to about 600 residents. Due to the condition of the bodies, investigators conducted necropsies to determine the species.
The carcasses were in a deteriorated state, with some missing fur and paws, which initially made it difficult to identify the type of canines.
Authorities told local news station KOMO News that the fox carcasses likely ended up in the water as a result of a mechanical issue that caused cargo to fall overboard.
The sheriff’s office stated that the foxes were lawfully purchased and transported into the state. The responsible party has been contacted and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
“Given the facts and circumstances known, the sheriff’s office does not anticipate referring any charges to the prosecutor’s office,”
the agency added in a statement.
Community Reaction and Clarifications
Local residents expressed horror at the discovery, with some comparing it to the beginning of a horror movie.
“It’s a creepy mystery out here,”
said Olivia Cole, the fire chief of Guemes Island.
Ellen Fitch, who found some of the carcasses, told a local news station that other residents were beginning to speculate about the origins of the animals. She recalled hearing rumors such as “they found wolves and foxes and coyotes” or even “there were witches involved.”
“They’re just exaggerating.”
In correspondence with the Seattle Times, Lt. Jeff Willard from the sheriff’s office explained that the foxes were purchased as bait specifically for crabbing.
Common crab bait typically includes the heads of oily fish such as mackerel and salmon, valued for their scent, as well as other protein sources like chicken and turkey. Since crabs are scavenger feeders seeking protein, any type of "stinky" carcass can serve as effective bait.
