21 Dead Dogs Found on Washington Island Spark Horror Movie Comparisons
Officials are investigating a disturbing incident after nearly two dozen dead canines washed ashore on Guemes Island in Washington state, with one local describing it as "the start of a horror movie." The Skagit county sheriff's office reported that 21 canines were discovered on the shoreline between March 26 and last Friday, baffling the island's 600 residents.
Creepy Mystery Unfolds on Guemes Island
Olivia Cole, the Guemes Island fire chief, told NBC News, "It's a creepy mystery out here. That's what I keep saying – it's like the start of a horror movie, honestly." The carcasses were initially found at Kelly's Point, with six canines washing ashore first, followed by five more in subsequent days. Another dead canine was found floating near the coast on Tuesday, and reportedly nine additional bodies were discovered over the next four days.
Cole noted that the canines appeared to be the same size, and two of them had orange twine wrapped around their necks. She speculated about possible sources, mentioning that big tankers pass through the area and there are breeders on other islands, fueling rumors among locals.
Investigation and Speculation Amid Deteriorated Remains
Skagit county investigators have conducted necropsies on the bodies, but due to the deteriorated states of the remains, they are not yet sure if the animals are dogs, coyotes, foxes, or something else. Cole claimed the creatures had been skinned, but local news channel Kiro 7 reported that investigators are unsure whether the bodies were skinned or just badly decomposed.
Ellen Fitch, who found some of the carcasses, told KIRO, "It was like nothing I'd ever seen." She added that locals are "making assumptions" about what happened, with rumors ranging from wolves and foxes to witches being involved.
Historical Context of Guemes Island
Guemes Island, accessible by ferry from Fidalgo Island, was known as "Dog Island" in the 19th century due to the large number of woolly dogs on the island. This historical nickname adds an eerie layer to the current investigation, as authorities work to determine the origin and cause of the dead canines washing ashore.
The sheriff's office continues to actively investigate the source of the animals, with the community on edge as they await answers to this unsettling mystery.
