After 8 years on the job, Mishka, Washington’s first Karelian Bear Dog (KBD), is retiring.
Mishka isn’t just the first KBD to work in Washington – he’s also the first to work with a wildlife enforcement officer.
“These dogs are the first ones in the United States,” Officer Bruce Richards, Mishka’s handler told KOMO. “There have been some by biologists, but for game wardens using these dogs, these are the first ones to save wildlife. And for that, I’m incredibly proud.”
The KBD’s are best known for barking at and chasing bears to teach them to stay in the wilderness and out of residential areas. The also teach people how to live safely in bear county.
Happy retirement Mishka and Officer Richards!
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