Unknown predator kills dogs in Bolivia

Bolivia | Fear for their own safety and that of outdoor pets is starting to take hold in residents who live off Midway Road.

At least two family dogs have been killed in recent weeks, both apparent victims of a predator - perhaps a large cat - whose tracks out of the woods are the only other sign that it's around.

Bill Robinson, who lives on Brown Road, found tracks left behind by an unidentified animal that many in the area deem responsible for the dog deaths.

The Brunswick County Health Department issued a warning Wednesday about the situation, urging people in the area to use caution while outdoors. But the investigation by animal services has been unable to confirm an actual sighting of a large cat.

Robinson said his family has been affected by the unseen attacker: Two dogs owned by his son Bill Jr., who lives next door, were killed a month ago.

The dogs were found with blood trickling from their ears but no other obvious injuries, he said, and the family didn't suspect then that they had been attacked. About two weeks after the dogs were buried, the bones of one were dug up during the night.

On Tuesday, Robinson said, he found clear animal tracks and signs of digging in the family's field of collards, and he has since heard reports from neighbors within a 2-mile radius about dogs kept chained outside that were killed by unknown attackers.

The paw prints Robinson found are roughly 3 inches in diameter and clearly indicate a large animal with prominent claws. He said the animals that were killed appeared to have died from a sharp, forceful blow to the head, as from a large paw.

Robinson said Brunswick County Animal Services came to view the tracks in the collard field and also took away droppings apparently left by the animal.

Richard Cooper, animal services director, confirmed another dog, this one owned by Rutland Road resident Leon Williams, was killed in an attack late Monday afternoon. He said the owner reported hearing only a single "yelp" from the dog before it became silent.

An analysis of the droppings and casts of the tracks found by Robinson has come up empty so far, he said.

"We made comparisons to other animal tracks on the Internet, and the tracks we found come close to a bobcat, but it would have to be an extremely large cat and they generally aren't that big," Cooper said.

"At this point, I don't have any idea of what it could be."

Cooper said the department hasn't found anyone who has seen the animal blamed for the attacks. Anyone who does is asked to contact the department immediately at 754-8204. Cooper and another animal service officer are on standby to respond to the calls.

The animal's size, identity and growing reputation have become a source of rumor and conjecture among residents who live on Midway, Gardner, Brown, Rutland, Gilbert and Albright roads.

Tommy Robbins, who lives at Midway and Gilbert roads, said the neighborhood grapevine has indicated that any dog left outside at night may be in danger from the nocturnal menace.

"One fella said his dog, a pit bull, was left outside, and he didn't hear a thing during the night. But he woke up the next morning to find his dog dead, with the top half of his head gone," he said.

Robbins related the story at Angel & Greg's convenience store, which opened on Midway Road several months ago. The hot topic for locals who stop by is now the "big cat that's killing dogs."

Cooper said state wildlife officers won't get involved in the case unless more conclusive proof is found about the animal.

"We actually haven't seen any of the animals that were killed because they were buried," he said, adding the department has three other unsubstantiated reports of dog killings.

"All I know is that there are too many people having their dogs killed for it not to be something out there," he said.

Paul Jefferson 538-2955

paul.jefferson@starnewsonline.com