COLUMBUS — State officials say Ohio’s Division of Wildlife is joining more than 20 states in adopting a wildlife K-9 program.
Pictured (above): Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director James Zehringer looks on as some of the K-9’s are introduced. Pictured left to right: Matt Leibengood, wildlife officer for Sandusky County, with May; and Jeremy Carter, wildlife officer for Holmes County, with Finn.
One wildlife officer from each of Ohio’s five wildlife districts will become handlers of K-9s in the program.
The dogs are trained to detect wild game that has been hidden by hunters who have failed to abide by state regulations, as well other non-game scents like gunpowder and illegally-grown ginseng.
They will also have the ability to track people and can be used to find lost hunters and people hunting without permission.
Three K-9s and their wildlife officer handlers will begin a 10-week training academy starting next week. The program will be in line with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy standards for law enforcement K-9s in Ohio.
Wildlife officials say the K-9s also will be socialized to participate in conservation programs and youth events.