- Unusual-looking animal killed on Montana ranch last month confirmed to be wolf
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials initially weren’t certain what the creature was when a rancher shot it
- They noted the legs, front claws and canine teeth were shorter and its ears were bigger than normally seen on wolves
- But inspection of animal at lab and DNA tests confirmed it was a gray wolf
The mystery is over: Wildlife officials have confirmed that an unusual-looking animal shot in central Montana was a gray 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.
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 gray wolf.
The mystery surrounding the unusual-looking animal that was killed in central Montana in May is in fact a gray wolf, according to a DNA test. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials initially weren’t certain what the creature was when a rancher shot it in May (pictured above)
![Officials noted the legs, front claws and canine teeth were shorter and its ears bigger than normally seen on wolves. But an inspection of the animal at its wildlife health laboratory revealed it to be a relatively normal looking wolf (paw pictured above)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1/2018/06/18/18/wire-3342026-1529343698-521_634x845.jpg)
Officials noted the legs, front claws and canine teeth were shorter and its ears bigger than normally seen on wolves. But an inspection of the animal at its wildlife health laboratory revealed it to be a relatively normal looking wolf (paw pictured above)
Officials say the wolf was a 2- or 3-year-old female with unique physical features.
The wolf was a non-lactating female, which means she didn’t have a litter of pups.
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.
The wolf had long grayish fur, an extended snout like a wolf.
![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. The animal is pictured above](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/06/13/15/4D302C1C00000578-0-image-a-3_1528901249828.jpg)
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. The animal is pictured above
But adding to the confusion of what it could be were its long, large ears and short body and legs – features that are uncharacteristic for a North American wolf.
Experts did initially believe the animal was most likely a cross between a wolf and a coyote or dog.
The lone-predator was shot and killed on a ranch outside Denton, Montana, on May 16 and quickly turned over to state officials to confirm its species.
Wolves are commonly found in Montana. Population estimates suggest there are over 900 wolves in the state, according to the 2017 Montana Gray Wolf Program Annual Report.
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