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Mystery of ‘wolf-like’ creature solved after DNA tested

Click to play video: 'Strange ‘wolf-like’ creature shot in Montana, leaves wildlife experts baffled'
Strange ‘wolf-like’ creature shot in Montana, leaves wildlife experts baffled
ABOVE: Strange ‘wolf-like’ creature shot in Montana – May 26, 2018

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.

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.

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Officials say the wolf was a 2- or 3-year-old female with unique physical features.

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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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, after it was spotted in a private pasture with livestock near Denton, Mont. . Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks via AP

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