Mystery solved: Tests confirm strange-looking animal shot in Montana was a grey wolf

Officials say the wolf was a two- or three-year-old female with unique physical features

The Associated Press
Published Jun 18, 2018  •  Last updated Jun 19, 2018  •  1 minute read
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This undated photo provided by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks on Friday, May 25, 2018, shows the wolf that was shot on May 16, 2018, after it was spotted in a private pasture with livestock near Denton, Mont. It was originally correctly thought to be a wolf, but doubts arose since the front paw appeared too short, the front claws too long, the canine teeth too short, and the ears too tall in proportion to the skull.
This undated photo provided by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks on Friday, May 25, 2018, shows the wolf that was shot on May 16, 2018, after it was spotted in a private pasture with livestock near Denton, Mont. It was originally correctly thought to be a wolf, but doubts arose since the front paw appeared too short, the front claws too long, the canine teeth too short, and the ears too tall in proportion to the skull. Photo by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks via AP

HELENA, Mont. — The mystery is over: Wildlife officials have confirmed that an unusual-looking animal shot in central Montana was a grey wolf.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials initially weren’t certain what the creature was when a rancher shot it in May. They noted the legs, front claws and canine teeth were shorter and its ears were bigger than normally seen on wolves.

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This undated file photo provided by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks shows the paw of the animal that was shot on May 16, 2018. DNA tests confirmed that it was a grey wolf.
This undated file photo provided by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks shows the paw of the animal that was shot on May 16, 2018. DNA tests confirmed that it was a grey wolf. Photo by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks via AP, File

The agency said Monday that an inspection of the animal at its laboratory revealed it to be a relatively normal-looking wolf. DNA tests confirmed that it was a grey wolf.

Officials say the wolf was a two- or three-year-old female with unique physical features.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials initially weren’t certain what the creature was when a rancher shot it in May.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials initially weren’t certain what the creature was when a rancher shot it in May. Photo by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks via AP

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service geneticist Mary Curtis says it’s not unusual for there to be physical variations of animals within a species.

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