Feral Dogs?

[AlumniClub]

I was curious to know...are there any feral dogs in Wisconsin? I have heard of feral cats, feral pigs, feral coyotes and was wondering if theres ever been packs of feral dogs roaming Wisconsin?

[Crys]

I would hazard a guess that there are feral dogs and feral cats any place that there is human habitation.

I know that there are collarless dogs running free out by me, on the edge of Pewaukee. Sometimes at night it sounds like they're fighting with the foxes that live on our hill, but I can't ever see what's going on, so I could be wrong about what's actually going on. I'm not sure if they qualify as "feral" but they're certainly strays.

[AlumniClub]

Feral dogs

Also known as wild or free-ranging dogs.


Differ markedly from domestic dogs in their behavior toward people and may actually attack without provocation. Further, these dogs have been known to eat their victims unlike domestic dogs.

Feral dogs usually do not have a fear of humans, and many will display highly aggressive behavior during encounters with people.



They often travel in packs and, like wolves, may have rendezvous sites and dens. Travel routes to and from these sites may be well defined and tempting for you to use as an access trail to a work area.


They are usually adept predators since their very existence demands the ability to feed themselves.

Because feral dogs are NOT a natural and desired part of the ecosystem, please report all encounters to the proper authorities regardless of where the encounter took place, be it urban or wilderness.


They may occur anywhere in the world where people have established a presence (jungles, deserts, islands, swamps, forests, parks, landfills, military reservations, airports, etc.).


Packs or individuals will likely be dependent on landfills, livestock, wild game, or fruit crops for food. The availability of such resources will, in part, dictate their range as will the presence of effective cover and other large carnivores.

Feral dogs come in all sizes and breeds.

They look like domestic dogs though they will probably be more haggard in appearance.

Note that coyote tracks and droppings will all be of the same general size whereas a pack of feral dogs will leave tracks and droppings of varied sizes.

Like other wild canids, feral dogs are most active from dusk to dawn.


Take notice of “unexplained” food scraps, large quantities of dog tracks, droppings and other signs of concentrated activity.


Do not run unless you’re sure you can escape as this will trigger the dog’s hunting instinct.


Though natural carnivores typically attack the throat, feral dogs are more indiscriminate in how and where they attack. That is, they will nip and bite anywhere.


Pepper spray will be a very effective deterrent and is proven against bears. (Check local laws in your field area first. It may not be legal to carry this.)

Treating an Attack:

Expect to treat for widespread slashing and tearing as well as puncture wounds. Bleeding may be severe. Treat for shock and seek immediate medical attention.


Consider all bites and scratches to be infected. Tetanus, Rabies and tapeworms are among the numerous pathogens that can be transmitted to a victim.

[AlumniClub]

Great info there Earl but has there ever been any incidents in Wisconsin where feral dogs, if any, have attacked anyone? Can they be shot legally? How do you tell if it is actually a feral dog running solo or just a neighbors pet that has escaped its home? Would hate to kill a loose dog thinking its a feral dog if ever encountered by a strange dog in the outdoors.

[talleyJudy]

There was a small pack of feral dogs here in the very south area of Kinnickinnic Twp., St. Croix Co.

They numbered 5 or 6 according to the few sightings, and were very people shy. The pack lasted about 2.5 years and I don't know what became of them- either they moved on or someone 'took care' of the problem. Or they could not compete with the cyotes and one bear that have been seen this spring. 8O

This is a very good area for predators as we have an abundance of deer, wild turkeys (till h*ll won't have them) and rabbits. I have not seen a pheasant in two years, but saw a fox cross a rural raod as I was driving and this one was of good size and looked to be in excellent health.