MARQUETTE (WWJ) – A hunting dog is expected to make a full recovery after being bitten by a wolf in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
DNR officials say a hunter was training two beagles near a Noquemanon Trail in Marquette on Tuesday at the time of the attack.
The dogs were actively baying a hare, which likely attracted the wolf, the DNR said. The dog was bitten on a hind leg but is expected to make a full recovery. The dog was not taken to a veterinarian for treatment.
DNR officials say the incident happened in a non-residential area, where wild animals are often encountered.
“The wolves are part of nature living around us,” the DNR said in a statement.
At no time did the wolf act aggressively toward the hunter and it was not a human safety issue, according to the DNR. It was likely a wolf-canine territorial conflict.
“The wolf was displaying behavior typical of wolves in active pursuit of prey or a canine rival within its territory. Snow and ice conditions allowed for easy travel by the wolf,” the DNR said.
The wolf is part of a known pack that has been in the area for more than 15 years, ranging from the Forestville area to Anderson’s Corners near the Baraga County line in summer, DNR officials said.
Officials say they haven’t had any other reports of wolf conflicts in the area. Skiers and hikers frequenting the trail area are being told to keep their dogs on leashes.
To report wolf observations to the DNR, view a map of wolf-dog conflicts in Michigan, or to learn more about wolves in Michigan, visit: www.Michigan.gov/Wolves "
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