Kicker: Mystery animal

NICK EICHER, HOST: A rancher near the town of Denton, Montana recently shot and killed an animal that was threatening his herd.

But the identity of the creature has wildlife officials scratching their heads.

A spokesman for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks admitted that for now at least— the department is stumped.

AUDIO: Something was not right about the animal. It does not look like a wild wolf.

All they could say is that the animal is of the canid family— which includes dogs, foxes, coyotes and wolves.

AUDIO: The strongest suspicion is that it’s a wolf – dog hybrid.

Wolves and dogs are are actually of the same species and interbreeding is not uncommon— but science will have the final say.

Officials have sent out DNA for testing.

It’s The World and Everything in It.

(Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks via AP) This undated photo provided by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks on Friday, May 25, 2018, shows a wolf-like animal that was shot on May 16, 2018.

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