WAUSHARA COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – We’re learning more about what authorities in Waushara County found when they were called to a rural area last Monday.
“It appears it was spray-painted black,” Waushara County Sheriff Jeff Nett told FOX 11. “There was a lot of time and effort put into this to display this animal in a disturbing fashion.”
A caller reported seeing a dead coyote hanging from a tree near the corner of County Highway Q and 28th Avenue in Leon.
In addition to the spray paint, Nett says someone attached some wire and nylon to the coyote to make wings. The wings were attached with cable ties or wires. Fur was added to the back of the carcass. Bright red plastic covered the eyes.
Nett says while a photo of the coyote has made the rounds on social media, he says it didn’t come from his department.
The person responsible for this gruesome act could face a fine for improper disposal of a dead animal
“I guess our concern is, if this is done to an animal, what’s to stop them to continue to do this,” Nett said.
“Most likely it’s probably some adolescent or college-age prank to imitate a character in a horror movie,” said Frank Cummings with Psychology Associates of the Fox Cities.
Cummings doesn’t think it is meant to be a form of modern art, and he says he doesn’t think it was done by a mentally disturbed person.
“They typically go to great lengths to conceal these kinds of things,” Cummings explained.
“I imagine there’s all kinds of theories and all kinds of explanations, but the bottom line is the act is very disturbing and it’s not something we needed the public to see,” Nett said.
Along with Crime Stoppers, Nett says some hunting groups are offering rewards for information that leads to a conviction.
Anyone who saw a vehicle parked in the area on Sunday, February 28 or Monday, February 29 is asked to call the Waushara County Sheriff’s Office at (920) 787-3321. Anonymous tips can be given to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-800-5219.
