The circumstances that led to the deaths of over 20 canines that were found in the waters and shores of Skagit County — including one that was discovered floating in the Swinomish Channel on March 31 — are still under investigation.

The first report came from Guemes Island on March 26, where most of the canines have been found since, followed by one in the Deception Pass area, one in Anacortes and one seen floating on the Swinomish Channel near the Nell Thorn restaurant, according to Lieutenant Steven Dills.

These incidents are being investigated by the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Unit.

Because the carcasses were missing most of their fur and their front paws, their manner of death and species — dog, foxes or coyotes — may be understood once the DNA and forensic necropsy results come in in the following weeks, as reported by GoSkagit.com. The carcasses were submitted to a local veterinarian on April 1.

Anyone with information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office or Skagit 911 to speak with a deputy or Animal Control Officer.

Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.