Dog treats stuffed with fishhooks found along Appalachian Trail, PA officials warn

Authorities are warning hikers about dog treats stuffed with fishhooks scattered along a section of the Appalachian Trail.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission issued a warning May 6 via Facebook about the potentially deadly treats found by a hiker near the George W. Outerbridge shelter.

“The incident occurred near the North Trail Loop leading to the shelter, on State Game Lands #217, in Washington Township, Lehigh County, officials said.

“These could prove deadly to any animal that consumes them, including wild and domesticated animals.”

McClatchy News reached out to the Pennsylvania Game Commission on May 7 to determine whether any animals were known to have consumed the treats but did not immediately hear back.

Anyone who finds more of the treats or has information about the incident is asked to call 1-833-742-9453 or 1-833-742-4868 immediately.

This story was originally published May 7, 2024 at 2:07 PM with the headline "Dog treats stuffed with fishhooks found along Appalachian Trail, PA officials warn."

Lauren Liebhaber

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Lauren Liebhaber covers international science news with a focus on taxonomy and archaeology at McClatchy. She holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and a master’s degree from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. Previously, she worked as a data journalist at Stacker.