Skip to main content

Boreal Community Media

Video: Itasca County looking for driver who hit sled dog team

Oct 20, 2021 07:04AM ● By Editor

Watch the WDIO-TV Report here

Lincoln and Chevy were injured in a hit and run while training in Itasca County. Photo:  Meander Mountain Huskies

From WDIO-TV - October 19, 2021

Authorities are asking for information about a hit and run incident involving a sled dog team on Saturday near Button Box Road in Itasca County.  According to the Itasca County Sheriff's Office, dispatch received a call at around 7 p.m. about a vehicle driving on the Circle T Snowmobile Trail in Itasca County.

Authorities say the vehicle struck several sled dogs that were training on the trail.  The sled dog team belongs to John and Robin Fisher, longtime mushers and vets with the Beargrease.  


Lincoln a 3-year-old male has a fractured pelvis The fracture is through the joint  John and Robin FisherLincoln, a 3-year-old male has a fractured pelvis. The fracture is through the joint. Photo:  John and Robin Fisher

Two of the dogs that were hurt, Chevy and Lincoln, are their lead dogs. They have shattered hips, according to Robin. "We are really sad, this really hurts. We are seeking help from the U of MN for the dogs," she said.

According to Robin, Lincoln, a 3-year-old male has a fractured pelvis. The fracture is through the joint. His brother Chevy, also 3-years-old has a fractured pelvis and dislocated hip. She says it is unlikely that either dog will be able to run again.

Chevy a 3-year-old male has a fractured pelvis and dislocated hip  John and Robin FisherChevy, a 3-year-old male has a fractured pelvis and dislocated hip. | John and Robin Fisher


Another dog has a shoulder laceration.  When law enforcement arrived, the driver of the vehicle had left the scene.

The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information, you are asked to contact the Itasca County Sheriff's Office at 218-326-3477. 

John Fisher has a team registered for the 2022 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon beginning January 30.


To see the original report and related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website. https://www.wdio.com/minnesota-news/sled-dog-hit-and-run-itasca-county-fisher/6274215/?cat=10335

Boreal Ship Spotter - larger view here