Strange mystery of canine corpses that eerily washed ashore on remote island is finally solved

By WILKO MARTÍNEZ-CACHERO, US REPORTER Published: 21:46, 11 April 2026 | Updated: 21:47, 11 April 2026 An unusual mystery involving supposed canine carcasses being found ashore on a remote Washington island that had been likened to a horror movie has finally been solved. At least 21 animals initially described as 'canines' had been found along the beaches of Guemes Island, a tiny community about two hours north of Seattle, since March 26. On Friday, the Skagit County Sheriff's Office announced that the animals were now believed to be 'foxes that originated from a farm outside the State of Washington.' 'They were lawfully purchased and transported into Washington for use in commercial fishing operations,' the statement read. Law enforcement later added that the foxes had been used as bait in commercial crabbing when the vessel experienced a mechanical issue and lost part of its cargo overboard, the Seattle Times reported. When the supposed canines were found, the carcasses were gathered by the Guemes Island's Fire Department and taken to be tested by fire chief Olivia Cole. 'I want the person prosecuted to the fullest extent,' Cole previously told KIRO 7. 'We are animal lovers out here.' However, authorities said that 'given the facts and circumstances currently known, the sheriff's office does not anticipate referring any charges to the prosecutor's office.' At least 21 carcasses that were initially described as 'canines' by police were found along the beaches of Guemes Island, about two hours north of Seattle On Friday, the Skagit County Sheriff's Office said that the animals were believed to be 'lawfully purchased' foxes that were being used for commercial fishing The Skagit County Sheriff's Office said it had contacted 'the responsible party associated with the recent animal related incident on Guemes Island,' without naming the person involved. 'The individual is cooperating with the ongoing investigation,' authorities added. The carcasses had perturbed small Guemes Island, which has a full–time population of around 600 and has been referred to as 'Dog Island' due to its history full of Salish wool dogs. Cole, who is also a dog groomer, said the carcasses were roughly around the same size, with some about the length of a woman's size 9.5 shoe and others slightly larger. She noted the carcasses could be compared to a 'fox size,' according to NBC News. Most showed signs of being skinned, including missing front paws and fur remaining only on their back legs. Two of the animals also had orange twine tied around their necks, according to Cole. 'I haven't slept very much,' Cole said. She added: 'I go into all these different stages where I'm really upset, and then I'm angry, and I'm back to going, 'I'm going to find this person.' It's been very difficult.' Guemes Island fire chief Olivia Cole took the carcasses to be tested immediately after they were found and previously said she wanted the person responsible prosecuted Guemes Island only has about 600 full-time residents, who described their shock at finding the carcasses Cole said she had heard travelers were calling ahead to ask whether it was safe to take their pets to the island. 'People called and said, "Should I bring my dogs?"' Cole told KIRO 7. 'There is nothing to be worried about out here.' She emphasized that she had not seen any 'gunshot wounds or markings that would suggest something like a dogfighting ring.' 'It's a creepy mystery out here,' Cole said. 'It's like the start of a horror movie, honestly.' Guemes Island echoed her fears, describing how the carcasses suddenly turned up across the sleepy island. 'It was so eerie to see one and then, literally, five minutes of walking, we found another,' Alexie Gregory, 41, told NBC. 'I think we found a total of 10 or 11 that day, and by the end of it, I was numb,' Gregory said. 'I was just in shock.' Another resident, Ellen Fitch, said she had found some of the carcasses while walking her dog. 'It was like nothing I'd ever seen,' Fitch said. 'People are making assumptions or they're just exaggerating,' Fitch added. '"Oh, I heard they found wolves and foxes and coyotes. Oh, I heard there were witches involved."' The Daily Mail has reached out to the Skagit County Sheriff's Office and Guemes Island fire chief Olivia Cole for further comment. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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