Mysterious Dog-Like Creature Shot And Killed

KLTV ^ | 1/18/2006 | KLTV

[Dallas59]

Over the last few years we've shown you pictures of a mysterious dog-like creature found in East Texas' woods.

This weekend, two brothers were out hunting squirrels when they were surprised by a very similar animal. The brothers shot it and killed it. It has leathery skin, long teeth, and hind legs longer than its front legs. One of the brothers, Kolby Russell, said this isn't his first run in with the creature.

"I had chased it a couple times earlier, about a month ago, and my friends didn't believe me. I finally showed them and they did."

So is it just a mangy dog?

"I've seen mange before and he has a body kind of built like a coyote, but he's real skinny", says the other brother, Coty Russell.

In the past, East Texans have e-mailed us that similar creatures were just dogs with mange, a coyote crossbreed, or the mythical Mexican creature, the Chupacabra.

The creature has been handed over to Angelina County authorities who are going to determine what to do with it next.

[Dallas59]

[FreedomCalls]

Isn't that a coyote?

[marsh_of_mists]

You have now entered...the Twilight Zone.

[Smokin' Joe]

Looks like a coyote with mange. It killed off a bunch of them up here a few years back (in combination with winter).

[CaliGirlGodHelpMe]

Looks a bit like a Basenji.

http://bleedingeyeballs.com/basenjiart/images/edog11.jpg

[Hank Rearden]

The creature has been handed over to Angelina County authorities who are going to determine what to do with it next.

Think these "authorities" are bright enough to run DNA tests if there's any question about what it is? They're on the government payroll, after all.

[mississippi red-neck]

I think you are exactly right Joe. I've killed a few coyotes myself and seen quite a few alive and those killed or trapped by friends and relatives down here.

That's exactly what it looks like.

[FreedomCalls]

Coyote on the left, this creature on the right.

Sure looks like a coyote that has for some reason (mange?) lost its hair to me.

[Dallas59]

Clicky Here For Texas Devil Dog Video

[NRA2BFree]

It looks kinda like a hyena.

[de Buillion]

Coyote with mange- had one living on a creek, behind my house, in Central TX.

[Dallas59]

Obviously the creature is not well.

[Smokin' Joe]

I don't have much use for coyotes (the pelt is nice at the right time of year), but something like that is just best put out of its misery.

[Bonaparte]

"...who are going to determine what to do with it next."

Barbequed ribs?

[arthurus]

A hairless coyote?

[kb2614]

Bush's fault!!!

[freepatriot32]

ping

[Dewy]

It looks like a typical dog from Mexico. Must have lost it's owner on the swim over....:)

[Dallas59]

The Coyote is very similar in size to a small German Shepherd and weighs an average of 25 to 40 pounds. It has long, slender legs, a bushy tail with a black tip, and large ears that are held erect. The Coyote's coat can vary, but it is usually gray or buff-colored. From a close vantage point, there is no mistaking the yellow eyes and black, round pupils. The Coyote is a strong swimmer. It characteristically runs with its tail down instead of horizontally like foxes, or up like wolves and dogs.

Life History

The Coyote is an extremely intelligent animal with keen senses of hearing, sight and smell. It primarily is nocturnal and very opportunistic. Coyotes will eat just about anything. They feed primarily on rabbits, rodents and insects, but they also eat carrion, lizards, snakes, fruit, vegetable matter and even fish. This adaptability also is evident in their use of cover. The Coyote requires minimal shelter to survive, but it will use a den for the birth and care of its young. Coyotes usually prefer to take use an abandoned badger den or natural cavities rather than dig their own den; however, they will make the necessary renovations by excavating multiple escape tunnels linked to the surface.

Coyotes are considered monogamous, with pairs remaining together for several years, although not necessarily for life. They breed from mid-January to early March. After a gestation period of 63 to 65 days, a litter of five to seven pups is born. During the weeks following the birth, the male will bring food to the family, but the female will not allow him inside the den. Coyotes normally may live from 10 to 12 years.