STRATTON – A game warden K9 played a crucial role in the successful rescue of a lost mushroom forager Monday, Aug. 12, on Stratton Mountain.
Claudine Michaud, 74, went foraging for mushrooms at 12:10 p.m. Monday, at the end of Shepardson Road in Stratton, while her husband, who uses a wheelchair, waited in their vehicle. After about 30 minutes, Claudine Michaud lost her bearings, and contacted 911.
The Vermont Warden Service, Vermont State Police and the Winhall Police Dept. were dispatched to begin the search. Realizing that the conditions at the site were favorable for scent tracking, the search party deployed a game warden tracking dog, K9 Officer Ramsey, to assist in locating the missing woman.
Ramsey and his handler identified several circling tracks believed to be Michaud’s irregular path while picking mushrooms. The search team split up following the various tracks and Michaud was soon found in good health, good spirits and very appreciative of being located and reunited with her husband.
“A properly trained tracking dog can play a vital role in promptly locating missing persons, provided their scent trail has not been disturbed,” said Warden Sergeant Keith Gallant. “Sending a dog into the search early often results in the search finishing early. We’re grateful to have found Ms. Michaud so quickly with the support of Ramsey, using the resources of state and local authorities as efficiently as possible.”
