DNR, police: Feral animals responsible for Shepherd hiker deaths

Authorities warn against visiting woods alone, ask citizens to report sightings

By Phil Hornshaw
Staff Reporter


SHEPHERD – Michigan State Police are searching for a group of feral animals they believe to be responsible for at least three deaths during the past six weeks near U.S. 127.

Four people have been found dead in the area since the beginning of October. The two most recent victims, the identities of whom police have not released, were discovered by search parties Friday evening after they went missing nearly a week ago. Rescue personnel reported the victims were mauled and covered in tooth and claw marks.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Officer Will Quinn said the species of animal believed to be involved has not yet been determined because of the condition of the bodies.

“Unfortunately, the recent weather conditions and scavenging by smaller predators has made it impossible to determine what we’re dealing with in these woods,” Quinn said. “The wildlife in this area rules out most major man-killing predators, but wolves and coyotes have been known to become dangerous during hard times.”

Authorities in the DNR have issued a warning to hikers and hunters to move in groups and be on the lookout for packs of wild animals in the vicinity of the woods bordering U.S. 127 to the east, about a mile outside Shepherd.

DNR officials also ask that any sightings of feral animals in and around the Shepherd area be reported to the department. Sightings can be reported by phone by calling the Midland DNR office at (989) 776-6661.

Earlier in October, two other victims were discovered killed about two miles apart. The first victim, Louis Allen, 36, of Shepherd, was found on Oct. 14 on a commonly used hunting trail. He was discovered with injuries sustained to his neck, arms and eyes.

State Police Information Officer Hilary Oliver said evidence collected at the scene of Allen’s death is consistent with animal attacks, and the hunter probably tried unsuccessfully to defend himself with the .22 caliber rifle he carried with him.

“Mr. Allen’s injuries suggest a group of animals, which would have made it difficult for him to ward them off with his firearm,” Oliver said. “He was an experienced hunter and we found three shell casings near his body. If there was just one animal, he probably would have killed it.”

The first victim discovered in the woods was Central Michigan University student Lisa Lambert. Oliver said Lambert and her boyfriend, Todd Campbell, were picnicking and hiking in the woods when Lambert disappeared.

Mount Pleasant and Michigan State police have listed Campbell as a person of interest in Lambert’s death, but so far have been unable to locate him for questioning.

“Since Mr. Campbell is the last person to have seen Ms. Lambert alive, speaking with him is paramount in determining what happened to her,” Oliver said. “While her case resembles the other victims discovered in the woods near Shepherd, there are inconsistencies we need to clear up.”

State police officials refused to give details about the Lambert case or how it differs from the others, citing the fact that the investigation is ongoing.