Wildlife officials in Pennsylvania are warning hikers with pets that someone found dog treats "stuffed with fish hooks" scattered along a stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
The Lehigh Gap Nature Center and, later, the Pennsylvania Game Commission shared the warning on social media on Monday, May 6 alongside photos of the potentially deadly treats, Knewz.com has learned.
The state game commission said the booby-trapped treats were found over the weekend by a hiker near the North Trail Loop leading to the George W. Outerbridge shelter on the Appalachian Trail in Washington Township.
"This section of trail connects to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center trail system via the Woodpecker Trail," the Lehigh Gap Nature Center said. "All treats that were found have been removed, and authorities have been notified."
Both posts warned hikers with pets to use caution in the area in case more tainted treats hadn't been found.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking anyone with information about the treats, or who finds more of them, to call call 1-833-PGC-WILD or 1-833-PGC-HUNT immediately.
"Items like these could prove deadly to any animal that consumes them, including wild and domesticated animals," the agency said.
—TMX contributed to this report.