Saturday, January 20, 2018
ODNR introduces new K-9 program
COLUMBUS
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced that the ODNR Division of Wildlife is joining more than 20 states in the adoption of a wildlife K-9 program.
One wildlife officer from each of Ohio’s five wildlife districts will become handlers in the program. These highly skilled K-9s are trained to detect hidden wild game such as white-tailed deer, turkey, waterfowl and fish, along with other nongame scents such as ginseng and gun powder. They also will have the ability to track people and will be used to find lost hunters and people hunting without permission.
Beginning next week, three K-9s and the wildlife officer handlers will begin a 10-week training academy where they will master their skills. The program will be in line with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy standards for law-enforcement K-9s in Ohio. The K-9s also will get advanced training in wildlife detection – finding wild animals and parts such as fish, deer, turkey, waterfowl and more.
The K-9s also will be friendly and socialized to participate in conservation programs and youth events, allowing people to meet them and ask questions about the newest law-enforcement members.
The K-9 teams will perform unique and highly visible roles in helping to accomplish the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s mission of conserving and improving fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Staff report
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