Pocono News Section

Skeletons Found in Sullivan Co. Identified

Skeletons Found in Sullivan Co. Identified - Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 5:40PM EST

CHERRY TWP., SULLIVAN COUNTY- The Pennsylvania Game Commission identifies the types of animals dumped at a Cherry Township, Sullivan County farm.
They were identified only as canine skeletons. Eyewitness News was the only station to show you the farm site and owner.

The mystery behind the skulls was revealed by Wildlife Conservation Officer Rick Finnegan. Finnegan showed Eyewitness News the skulls from the skeletons.

He says they belonged to coyotes, raccoons and foxes. 20 of them were found on a Cherry Township farm on Harrison Road Monday. Finnegan says they were likely hunted for their fur then illegally dumped on private property.

Finnegan says, "Don't just throw them on someone's land you know, it makes every hunter and trapper look bad."

The farm's owner, William Hunsinger agrees. He was furious when he talked to us Monday. "I can't see how a person could do something like this and respect themselves," said Hunsinger.

The game commission says these bones have been here more than a year. Finnegan says officers will look for who dumped them. That person will face a hefty fine. "You got to be an ethical hunter and trapper. You have to dispose of your remains in a proper manner," he said.

Like tossing them in the trash, or in a burn pit says Finnegan. The game commission says animal remains are dumped many times a year in rural counties like Sullivan.

Just this month, officer Finnegan says he cited two hunters for illegal dumping.