Wolf-like animals shot in Frogtown

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department released information this week regarding a case of wolf-like animals that were roaming through Frogtown this week.

On April 26, a resident of North Road in Frogtown called police at 8 a.m. and reported seeing possibly as many as three wolves in the area, one which may have been rabid. Police searched the area to no avail, but they sent a notice to CKON to advise residents not to let their children play alone outside.

Later that same morning, at about 9:30, another Frogtown resident reported that two wolves were in his yard, almost on his patio deck. They were gone by the time police arrived.

Just after 4 p.m., a resident of White Road reported that he had shot one wolf. Police attended the scene and notified the Environmental Division.

The following morning, a Frogtown resident reported that he had shot the second “wolf.”

No further sightings have been reported and police are suspecting that any sighting of a third animal may have just been a dog.

Police have also said that the animas were not wolves. Though it’s unknown exactly what type of animal it is, authorities believe it is likely a hybrid between a dog and possibly a wolf or coyote.

Tests are underway to determine if one or both of the animals was rabid.

“The report of an animal possibly being rabid was based on observed behavior and has not been confirmed clinically,” police said. “Animal tissues that have been sent in will be tested for pathogens such as rabies.”

Photographs were taken of the two dead animals (Indian Time has declined to print them) and those photos and one carcass have been sent to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, for identification.

“The initial observation of the one animal, while wolf-like in appearance, was noted to also have some dog-like features, thus prompting a request for assistance from the NYSDEC,” police said. “The Environment Division is awaiting final DNA and pathological analysis and consultation with NYSDEC Pathologist Ward Stone before issuing a final statement of findings.”