Recent wolf attack prompts local expert’s warning to pet wwners

A pet dog was killed by wolves in the Town of Pine River earlier this month, according to officials from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.
The wolf depredation was verified on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, marking the latest in a series of incidents attributed to what appears to be the same wolf pack operating across a wide territory in Lincoln and Langlade counties.
Local wolf expert Laurie Groskopf of Tomahawk believes this attack is connected to previous incidents.
“This is the same pack that has been causing attacks for almost a year in that area,” said Groskopf. “The average wolf pack territory size in Wisconsin is 65 square miles. With this incident on the border of Schley and Pine River, there is no doubt at all in my mind that we are dealing with the same pack.”
According to Groskopf, the pack’s first documented attack occurred on April 4 last year when a springer spaniel was killed while its owner was gathering maple syrup in the Town of Vilas, Langlade County. This was followed by wolves killing a cow and calf in Pine River on June 8, and harassment of cattle in Pine River on September 24.

“This pack has shown great flexibility in that it has attacked hunting dogs, pet dogs, and livestock,” Groskopf noted. “People need to be vigilant with their animals. Do not allow pets outside unattended.”
The DNR recommends pet owners monitor for wolf activity and exercise increased vigilance when pets are outside, especially at night or during times of low visibility.
Groskopf, who serves as Secretary of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Wolf Committee and has spent 29 years working on wolf issues, advises livestock owners to keep animals in sturdy enclosures when possible.
“If animals are being grazed, try to install lights and a motion activated radio if possible,” she suggested.
The latest attack took place in section 5 of the Town of Pine River, bounded by Townline Rd. on the north and Cain Creek Rd. on the east.
Livestock producers who suspect wolf or bear depredation should contact USDA Wildlife Services at 1.800.228.1368. Interactive maps, past reports, and damage payment information are available on the DNR’s website at www.tinyurl.com/f89rsbw5.