Tests confirm mystery animal shot in Montana was a wolf
This undated file photo provided by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks shows a wolf-like animal that was shot on May 16, 2018, after it was spotted in a private pasture with livestock near Denton, Mont. The mystery is over: Montana wildlife officials confirm that an unusual-looking animal shot in central Montana was actually a wolf. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials initially weren’t certain what the creature was when a rancher shot it near Denton in May. They noted the legs, front claws and canine teeth were shorter and its ears bigger than normally seen on wolves. Officials said in a statement Monday, June 18, 2018, that an inspection of the animal at its wildlife health laboratory revealed it to be a relatively normal looking wolf. DNA tests confirmed that the animal was a gray wolf. (Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks via AP, File)