People on a northern Manitoba reserve are avoiding a lake after three sled dogs were gutted amid reports that a strange creature is on the loose.

Chief Joe Dantouze of the Northlands First Nation in Lac Brochet said Thursday that he had never seen an animal kill in the manner that befell the dogs.

The dogs were found gutted on a island in nearby Reindeer Lake on Sunday morning and another four dogs have gone missing.

Manitoba conservation officials have been looking into the matter and have taken the bodies of the dead dogs for analysis.

Dantouze said some people claimed to have spotted a mysterious creature on the lake, but didn't give a description.

"There were signs that people had seen something out on the lake but they don't know what type of animal it would be," Dantouze said.

People believe the mysterious creature killed the dogs, he said.

"They're afraid right now. People are afraid to go out on the lake, like for fishing, and to use the beaches around the lake.

"And I think, who wouldn't be if something like this would happen to another lake? I think people would be scared and I think that's how it is right now."

Dantouze said the band has advised people to stay away from the lake for the time being.