3 inch spikes found hidden beneath brush, dirt near MTRA trail in Oscoda Co.
OSCODA CO., MI -- The Department of Natural Resources is looking for answers to who is setting dangerous, potentially deadly spikes near public trails on US Forest Service land.
An officer with the DNR tells 7&4 news the spikes found in Oscoda County couldn't be used for anything other than to puncture tires or inflict harm on people and their animals.
The Michigan Trail Riders Association (MTRA) has more than 200 miles that stretch across Michigan from shore to shore. But recently, what they've found along these trails could not just be harmful to horses, but people.
"It was about three or four inches long, sharpened, it was evil looking, and it was intended to destroy tires, but its evilness spreads beyond that," described Carol Hyzer.
A metal plate, with a sharp, jagged spike welded to it, was found on a US Forest Service trail near Luzerne in Oscoda County.
"Somebody took some care to manufacture these with malicious intent," said DNR Conservation Officer Jonathan Warner.
Warner says this spike is one of six that have been found hidden under dirt or brush. The first was discovered back in October. Carol Hyzer is on the MTRA board and is both astounded and disturbed.
“I think it's a malicious act of a sick person who was trying to maintain a private area for hunting on public lands," said Hyzer.
The problem with these spikes is if it goes through the horse’s foot, it would destroy it.
"I heard the horse do a real deep grunt," explained Michele Jones.
Michele rides the trail frequently. She told me about her horse "General" who was just recovering from a wound that matched the description.
"We had been out riding, it was a deep puncture wound, the horse’s foot had been bleeding for 10 days, and we had to take him to the vet," said Jones.
She spent $300 on vet fees and she said knowing now about these spikes, it all adds up.
“It's just sick, it's just plain sick," said Jones.
“It would be great if he'd come forward, that would be the right thing to do, and if he knows of any others out there, we need to get them out," said Warner.
DNR officers are still combing the trails looking for more spikes and clues that may lead them to who is doing this bizarre action.
The MTRA says you need to be aware if you are out riding the trails and if you find one of these spikes, turn it into the DNR.
If you have any information, call the DNR Roscommon office at (989) 275-5151.
