Six bear hunting dogs were killed in Langlade County over the weekend of September 26–27. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources confirmed the deaths in three separate wolf attacks, two near Ackley and one near Elcho.
The first day of attacks came on September 26, when wolves struck twice near Ackley in events less than 1,000 yards apart. Five hounds were killed, and two more were injured. One of the injured dogs later died, adding to the toll.
On September 27, wolves killed another bear hunting dog in a separate incident near Elcho, roughly 15 miles north of the Ackley sites.
In both incidents, hunters had released one or more dogs to pursue bears. The dogs were outfitted with GPS collars that allow hunters to monitor their locations. In both incidents, the hunters noted that the dogs had stopped moving. Upon arriving at the GPS locations, they discovered the injured or deceased animals.
A Shockingly Common Occurrence in the Area
The Wisconsin DNR states that conflicts between hunting dogs and wolves are common during bear training and hunting season. The DNR keeps an updated list of dog depredations by wolves for 2025. In that list, multiple events are recorded across the state before the September weekend in Langlade.
Within Wisconsin, research shows that wolf attacks on bear-hunting hounds are the second-most common type of depredation on domestic animals in the state.
That being said, the losses in Langlade County mark one of the deadliest weekends for hounds in 2025. Earlier in the year, wolves killed a hunting dog and injured two others in Marathon County. State records show several other confirmed depredations this year, with most incidents taking place in northern Wisconsin.
Wolf Packs and Rendezvous Sites
DNR specialists say these attacks often occur near wolf rendezvous sites. These areas serve as temporary gathering points for wolf pups after they leave dens, and packs defend them aggressively through early fall.
Investigators believe the same pack was responsible for both Ackley attacks, given the close proximity. The Elcho incident happened farther north but still within active wolf territory.
Caution Zones and Safety Guidance
Wisconsin DNR maintains wolf caution areas that mark locations of confirmed dog depredations. Hunters are advised to avoid releasing hounds near those sites during bear training and hunting seasons. The agency also provides an interactive map to help track active caution zones.
Verification and Compensation
USDA Wildlife Services investigates all suspected wolf attacks on dogs. Once wolf involvement is confirmed, dog owners may apply for state compensation. Wildlife officials caution that packs responsible for one attack often repeat the behavior in the same season or the following year.
Hunters running hounds in northern Wisconsin are urged to take precautions in areas where wolves are known to defend territory.
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