Skagit County officials: 20 dead 'canines' were actually foxes

Authorities say the foxes were legally purchased out-of-state for commercial fishing purposes.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single fox carcass, its fur matted and skin discolored, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic without depicting blood, gore, or violence.The discovery of 20 dead foxes used as commercial fishing bait raises ethical concerns about the treatment of wild animals.Anacortes Today

Investigators in Skagit County, Washington have determined that the 20 dead 'canine' carcasses that washed ashore were actually legally purchased foxes that were being used as bait for commercial fishing operations. Some of the foxes were found skinned, missing front paws, and with twine wrapped around their necks.

Why it matters

The discovery of the dead animals sparked initial concerns about potential animal cruelty or an illegal wildlife trafficking operation. However, the sheriff's office has clarified that the foxes were legally obtained and used for commercial fishing purposes, which raises questions about the ethics and regulations around using wild animals as bait.

The details

According to the Skagit County sheriff's office, the 20 dead 'canines' that washed ashore around Guemes Island near Anacortes were actually legally purchased foxes from out-of-state farms. The foxes were brought to Washington to be used as bait for commercial crabbing and fishing operations. Some of the foxes were found skinned, missing their front paws, and with twine wrapped around their necks.

  • The dead animals were discovered washed ashore in Skagit County on April 12, 2026.

The players

Skagit County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that investigated the discovery of the dead 'canines' and determined they were legally purchased foxes used for commercial fishing.

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What they’re saying

“The fox carcasses found ashore and in the waters surrounding Guemes Island, just north of Anacortes, were legally purchased outside of the state.”

— Skagit County Sheriff's Office

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex and often controversial use of wild animals in commercial fishing and crabbing operations, raising questions about the ethics and regulations around these practices.